Catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of polyamine biosynthesis that converts ornithine into putrescine, which is the precursor for the polyamines, spermidine and spermine. Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation and are implicated in cellular processes, ranging from DNA replication to apoptosis

Homodimer. Only the dimer is catalytically active, as the active sites are constructed of residues from both monomers (Probable). Does not form a heterodimer with AZIN2 (By similarity)

• Bachmann-Bupp syndrome (BABS)

  An autosomal dominant disorder characterized by global developmental delay, alopecia, absolute or relative macrocephaly, and facial dysmorphism. Neuroimaging shows white matter abnormalities, prominent Virchow-Robin spaces, periventricular cysts, and abnormalities of the corpus callosum.