Scavenger Receptor Class F Member 1 (SCARF1)

SCARF1 is a scavenger receptor that is expressed in endothelial cells and mediates the binding and degradation of acetylated low density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL). Transcription factors ZNF444/EZF-2 and SP1 are found to be responsible for the regulation of this gene. Five alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described.The deduced 830-amino acid protein contains a putative transmembrane domain and an EGF-like pattern of cysteine repeats. SCARF1 shares about 33% identity over 147 amino acids with mouse Tie2, an epithelial receptor tyrosine kinase. The 3-prime untranslated region contains an Alu repeat. Northern blot analysis detected expression in most tissues examined, with highest levels in lung and spleen. No expression was detected in HeLa cells, pancreas, or colon.