FALZ, Fetal Alzheimer Antigen, Nucleosome Remodeling Factor, Large subunit, Fetal Alz-50 Reactive Clone 1

FALZ/BPTF is a histone-binding component of NURF (nucleosome remodeling factor), a complex that catalyzes ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding and facilitates transcription of chromatin. This gene was identified in brain homogenates from patients with Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of the original protein (fetal Alz-50 reactive clone 1, or FAC1), containing a DNA-binding domain, a zinc finger motif, and a C-terminal bromodomain, suggested it might play a role in the regulation of transcription during proliferation. High levels of FAC1 were detected in fetal brain and in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. This protein is highly similar to the largest subunit of the Drosophila NURF (nucleosome remodeling factor) complex.