for hepatitis C virus. FFAT motif The N-terminal MSP-homologous part of VAPA is able to bind to the FFAT motif, a particular sequence motif shared by several lipid binding proteins including oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP). Function One of its proposed functions is to slow down the lipid flow back towards the ER when protein misfolding occurs, in order to reduce the amount of stress triggered by the UPR. The VAP would regulate this process by inhibiting membrane contact. Associated Diseases The P56S SNP in the MSP domain of VAPB is involved in the onset of Lou Gehrig's disease also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where the patient loses muscle control and function. The degenerescence of motor neurons observed in such condition could to be due to the inability of VAPB to regulate the lipid function around the ER and the subsequent consequences on cell function. References Further reading