MFAP1 was first named for proteins associated with microfibrils which are an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of many tissues. For example, MFAP1 has been shown to be associated with elastin-like fibres at the base of Schlemm's canal endothelium cells, in the juxtacanalicular tissue, and in the uveal region [3]. Based on its role in the ECM and the proximity of the MFAP1 gene to FBN1 it was hypothesised that mutations in MFAP1 contributed to heritable diseases affecting microfibrils, Marfan syndrome [1] but this has now been shown not to be the case. MFAP1 has also been shown to interact directly with certain pre-mRNA processing factor proteins, Prps, which are also spliceosome components and is thus required for pre-mRNA processing. MAFP1 bound to Pr38 of yeast is necessary for cells in vivo to progress from G2 to M phase [2].

1: Structure of the human gene encoding the associated microfibrillar protein (MFAP1) and localization to chromosome 15q15-q21. Yeh H, Chow M, Abrams WR, Fan J, Foster J, Mitchell H, Muenke M, Rosenbloom J; Genomics. 1994;23:443-449. PMID:7835894

2: Drosophila MFAP1 is required for pre-mRNA processing and G2/M progression. Andersen DS, Tapon N; J Biol Chem. 2008;283:31256-31267. PMID:18765666

3: The elastin fiber system between and adjacent to collector channels in the human juxtacanalicular tissue. Hann CR, Fautsch MP; Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:45-50. PMID:20720231