STARD5

Proteins containing a steroidogenic acute regulatory-related lipid transfer (START) domain are often involved in the trafficking of lipids and cholesterol between diverse intracellular membranes. This gene is a member of the StarD subfamily that encodes START-related lipid transfer proteins. The protein encoded by this gene is a cholesterol transporter and is also able to bind and transport other sterol-derived molecules related to the cholesterol/bile acid biosynthetic pathways such as 25-hydroxycholesterol. Its expression is upregulated during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The protein is thought to act as a cytosolic sterol transporter that moves cholesterol between intracellular membranes such as from the cytoplasm to the ER and from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. Alternative splicing of this gene produces multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2016]

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human STARD5 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human STARD5 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.