Unraveling the structures, functions and mechanisms of epithelial membrane protein family in human cancers

Abstract

Peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) and epithelial membrane proteins (EMP-1, -2, and -3) belong to a small hydrophobic membrane protein subfamily, with four transmembrane structures. PMP22 and EMPs are widely expressed in various tissues and play important roles in cell growth, differentiation, programmed cell death, and metastasis. PMP22 presents its highest expression in the peripheral nerve and participates in normal physiological and pathological processes of the peripheral nervous system. The progress of molecular genetics has shown that the genetic changes of the PMP22 gene, including duplication, deletion, and point mutation, are behind various hereditary peripheral neuropathies. EMPs have different expression patterns in diverse tissues and are closely related to the risk of malignant tumor progression. In this review, we focus on the four members in this protein family which are related to disease pathogenesis and discuss gene mutations and post-translational modification of them. Further research into the interactions between structural alterations and function of PMP22 and EMPs will help understand their normal physiological function and role in diseases and might contribute to developing novel therapeutic tools.

Neural Stem Cell Relay from B1 to B2 cells in the adult mouse Ventricular-Subventricular Zone

“…Inferred B1 cells genes Atf3, Riiad1, Foxj1, Gadd45b, Emp1, and Tagln2 were expressed in B1 and ependymal cells in the VZ, had low or no expression in B2 cells in the SVZ and the wedge (Figures 4J, K and S5A). An exception was Emp1, which is upregulated during mitosis 48 , was present in dividing cells in the SVZ, including the wedge (Figure S5A). We confirmed that Atf3, Riiad1, Foxj1, Gadd45b, Emp1, and Tagln2 were expressed in B1 cells by using RNAscope in en face sections of the ventricular wall and co-stained with ß-catenin and γ-tubulin to identify B1 cells’ apical contact.…”

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia—A Case-Control In Silico Analysis

“…Furthermore, TMCC1 was significantly downregulated in PE placentae compared with normal placentae [32]. EMP1 is a protein-coding gene involved in apoptosis, which negatively regulates cell growth [33]. Circulating EMP1 was positively associated with severe placental insufficiency, placental dysfunction, and fetal growth restriction [34].…”