Aspa

This gene encodes an enzyme that deacteylates N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA) in the brain to yield acetate and L-aspartate. In humans, alterations in neuronal NAA concentration are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases (decrease associated with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, myotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease; increase associated with Canavan disease). In mouse, mutations in this gene, which cause accumulation of NAA, result in demyelination and spongy degeneration in the CNS and serve as a pathophysiological model for Canavan disease. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2012]

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 mouse Aspa 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 mouse Aspa gene, providing context for its role in the cell.