IFI-44L is a 452 amino acid cytoplasmic protein that shares some sequence similarities with IFI-44. IFI-44 is a cytoplasmic protein that aggregates to form microtubule structures. The genes that encode IFI-44L and IFI-44 are located on chromosome 1, which is the largest human chromosome spanning about 260 million base pairs and making up 8% of the human genome. There are about 3,000 genes on chromosome 1, and considering the great number of genes there are also a large number of diseases associated with chromosome 1. Notably, the rare aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria is associated with the LMNA gene which encodes lamin A. When defective, the LMNA gene product can build up in the nucleus and cause characteristic nuclear blebs. The mechanism of rapidly enhanced aging is unclear and is a topic of continuing exploration. Stickler syndrome, Parkinsons, Gaucher disease and Usher syndrome are also associated with chromosome 1. Aberrations in chromosome 1 are found in a variety of cancers including head and neck cancer, malignant melanoma and multiple myeloma.