The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intra-cellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies (ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, White). This protein is a member of the ALD subfamily, which is involved in peroxisomal import of fatty acids and/or fatty acyl-CoAs in the organelle. All known peroxisomal ABC transporters are half transporters which require a partner half transporter molecule to form a functional homodimeric or heterodimeric transporter. The function of this peroxisomal membrane protein is unknown; however this protein is speculated to function as a dimerization partner of ABCD1 and/or other peroxisomal ABC transporters.[6]
Mutations in this gene have been observed in patients with adrenoleukodystrophy, a severe demyelinating disease. This gene has been identified as a candidate for a modifier gene, accounting for the extreme variation among adrenoleukodystrophy phenotypes. This gene is also a candidate for a complement group of Zellweger syndrome, a genetically heterogeneous disorder of peroxisomal biogenesis.[6]
Petroni A, Cappa M, Carissimi R, Blasevich M, Uziel G (2007). "Effect of testosterone metabolites on ABC half-transporter relative gene expression in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy". J. Inherit. Metab. Dis. 30 (5): 828. doi:10.1007/s10545-007-0591-1. hdl:2434/142675. PMID17602313. S2CID31900837.
Holzinger A, Mayerhofer P, Berger J, Lichtner P, Kammerer S, Roscher AA (1999). "Full length cDNA cloning, promoter sequence, and genomic organization of the human adrenoleukodystrophy related (ALDR) gene functionally redundant to the gene responsible for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy". Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 258 (2): 436–42. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1999.0535. PMID10329405.
Holzinger A, Kammerer S, Berger J, Roscher AA (1997). "cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of the human adrenoleukodystrophy related protein (ALDRP), a peroxisomal ABC transporter". Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 239 (1): 261–4. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1997.7391. PMID9345306.
Savary S, Troffer-Charlier N, Gyapay G, Mattei MG, Chimini G (1997). "Chromosomal localization of the adrenoleukodystrophy-related gene in man and mice". Eur. J. Hum. Genet. 5 (2): 99–101. doi:10.1159/000484741. PMID9195160.