STAB1 gene

The STAB1 gene (STAB1 stands for "Stabilin 1") is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3p21.1. The STAB1 gene encodes a large transmembrane receptor protein that plays a role in angiogenesis, lymphocyte homogenization, cell adhesion or receptor scavenging (see also scavenger receptors).

The encoded protein Stabilin-1 acts as a scavenger receptor for acetylated low density lipoprotein. Binds to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and may play a role in defense against bacterial infections.

The encoded receptor protein Stabilin-1 contains 7 fasciclin-like, 16 epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like, and 2 laminin-like EGF-like domains, as well as a C-type lectin-like hyaluronan-binding link module. Stabilin-1 is mainly expressed on sinusoidal endothelial cells of liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Stabilin-1 has been shown to endocytose ligands such as low-density lipoprotein, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and advanced glycosylation end products. The receptor protein circulates rapidly between the plasma membrane and early endosomes, supporting its possible role as a scavenger receptor. STAB1 also interacts with the protein chitinase domain-containing protein 1. Stabilin-1 is expressed mainly on sinusoidal endothelial cells of liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The protein influences the development of atherosclerosis. When Stabilin-1 is inhibited in endothelial tube formation assays, there is a marked decrease in cell-cell interactions, also suggesting a role in angiogenesis.

Diseases associated with STAB1 include histiocytosis.

In cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML), scavenger receptor stabilin-1 (STAB1) expression is also considered an indicator of poor prognosis. Lin SY et al (2019) confirmed that suppression of STAB1 inhibited cell growth in KG1a and NB4 leukemia cells. Correlation analyses between STAB1 expression and anticancer drug targets revealed that patients in the low STAB1 group were more sensitive to the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax.

1. Lin SY et al (2019) Identification of STAB1 in Multiple Datasets as a Prognostic Factor for Cytogenetically Normal AML: Mechanism and Drug Indications. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 18:476-484.
2. Manta CP et al (2022) Targeting of scavenger receptors Stabilin-1 and Stabilin-2 Ameliorates Atherosclerosis by a Plasma Proteome Switch Mediating Monocyte/Macrophage Suppression. Circulation 146:1783-1799.
3. Politz O et al (2002). Stabilin-1 and -2 constitute a novel family of fasciclin-like hyaluronan receptor homologues. Biochem J 362: 155-164.
4. Zani IA et al (2015) Scavenger receptor structure and function in health and disease. Cell 4:178-201