NAIP (gene)

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NAIP (BIRC1) is a human gene that encodes a protein involved in blocking cell death. In humans, the NAIP gene sits on chromosome 5q13.2. This region is part of a large, complex inverted duplication about 500 kilobases long that contains several genes and many repetitive elements, making the area prone to rearrangements and deletions. There are multiple copies of NAIP in this region, some of which are truncated.

NAIP belongs to the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family and contains baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domains. The protein can suppress apoptosis in response to different signals, helping cells survive. The gene also has multiple transcript variants, so different protein isoforms can be produced.

NAIP is thought to act as a modifier of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) caused by changes in the neighboring SMN1 gene. Expression is broad, with higher levels in immune-related tissues. The mouse NAIP gene is a closely related ortholog located on chromosome 13 and is expressed in similar tissues.