SORL1 (sortilin-related receptor, L A repeats containing) also known as sorting protein-related receptor containing LDLR class A (SorLA), is a Type I membrane protein that may be involved in cell-cell interaction. SorLA, a single transmembrane receptor, binds LDL and transports it into cells by endocytosis. SorLA is synthesized as a proreceptor which is processed to the mature form by a furin-like propeptidase. It can also bind to RAP (receptor-associated protein). SorLA is a multifunctional endocytis receptor important in lipoprotein and protease uptake. The N-terminal propeptide, which is removed, can be cleaved by furin or homologous proteases. Endogenous SorLA binds the neuropeptide head activator (HA) and is important for HA signaling and function. The gene encoding for the protein maps to chromosome 8p23.1. SorLA is expressed mainly in brain (cerebral cortex, cerebellum and the occipital pole), but can also be found in liver, spinal cord, kidney, testis and pancreas.
