ABCA7

ABCA7 encodes the ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 7, a transmembrane protein involved in lipid homeostasis and cholesterol efflux. It shares structural homology with ABCA1 and is primarily expressed in macrophages, brain, and placenta. Its mechanism involves ATP-dependent lipid transport, facilitating the transfer of phospholipids and cholesterol to apolipoproteins, thereby regulating cellular lipid levels and high-density lipoprotein formation.
ABCA7 dysfunction is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, with genetic variants increasing AD risk through impaired amyloid-beta clearance and lipid metabolism dysregulation. It interacts with pathways including Aβ degradation and cholesterol trafficking. While no selective ABCA7-targeted drugs exist, preclinical studies explore modulators to enhance its expression or activity, aiming to mitigate neurodegenerative processes and cardiovascular risk associated with lipid imbalance.