The SFTPB gene encodes the pulmonary-associated surfactant B protein (SPB), an amphipathic surfactant protein essential for lung function and homeostasis after birth. Pulmonary surfactant is a lipid-rich material that prevents lung collapse by lowering surface tension at the air-liquid interface in the alveoli of lung. SPB enhances the rate of spreading and increases the stability of surfactant monolayers in vitro. Surfactant is composed of phospholipids and other surfactant-associated proteins (Clark et al., 1995 [PubMed 7644495]). See also SFTPA1 (MIM 178630), SFTPC (MIM 178620), and SFTPD (MIM 178635).[supplied by OMIM]
