Aminopeptidase-like 1 (NPEPL1)

Aminopeptidase-like 1 (NPEPL1) is a protein-coding enzyme belonging to the aminopeptidase family, involved in proteolysis by catalyzing the removal of unsubstituted N-terminal amino acids from peptides[1]. It exhibits manganese ion binding and metalloexopeptidase activity and is located in the nucleus[1][2]. NPEPL1 plays roles in the progression of multiple diseases, notably serving as a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, and its expression correlates with poor prognosis in these cancers[2][5]. It may also interact with signaling pathways (cAMP, oxytocin, voltage-gated calcium channels) and modulate immune cell populations within the tumor microenvironment[2]. Although not directly targeted by any approved drugs, higher NPEPL1 expression correlates with increased sensitivity/efficacy to drugs such as axitinib and cisplatin in ccRCC[2]. Deletions or dysregulation of NPEPL1 are implicated in non-cancer diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and pseudohypoparathyroidism[2].

Other names

NPEPL1KIAA1974FLJ11583Aminopeptidase-like 1Probable aminopeptidase NPEPL1bA261P9.2LOC124904942Uncharacterized protein LOC124904942

Not directly targeted by approved drugs (as of current data). However, drugs such as axitinib or cisplatin may have improved efficacy when NPEPL1 is upregulated, possibly due to changes in tumor biology or microenvironment. Cancer therapy rationale: targeting aminopeptidases may inhibit tumor cell proliferation by disrupting amino acid/protein homeostasis.