The protein encoded by this gene is a small glycoprotein involved in the catabolism of lipid-modified proteins during lysosomal degradation. The encoded enzyme removes thioester-linked fatty acyl groups such as palmitate from cysteine residues. Defects in this gene are a cause of infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 1 (CLN1, or INCL) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4 (CLN4). Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Dec 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that a single administration of MDMA significantly increased the mRNA expression of the PPT1 in specific striatal subregions and the nucleus accumbens core three hours post-injection, with no effect observed at 30 minutes [Adams et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Molbrainres.2004.10.005].