Protein transport protein Sec61 subunit alpha isoform 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SEC61A1 gene.

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the SECY/SEC61- alpha family. It appears to play a crucial role in the insertion of secretory and membrane polypeptides into the endoplasmic reticulum. This protein found to be tightly associated with membrane-bound ribosomes, either directly or through adaptor proteins. This gene encodes an alpha subunit of the heteromeric SEC61 complex, which also contains beta and gamma subunits. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Plays a crucial role in the insertion of secretory and membrane polypeptides into the ER. Required for assembly of membrane and secretory proteins. Tightly associated with membrane-bound ribosomes, either directly or through adapter proteins.