Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing 1 (ANKFN1)
- Target
- ANKFN1
- Molecular classification
- Protein-coding gene, Scaffold/adaptor protein (contains ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domains)
01
Overview
Ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing 1 (ANKFN1) is a protein-coding gene characterized by ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domains, suggesting a scaffold/adaptor role in protein-protein interactions and signaling. It is involved in cell cycle regulation, spindle polarity establishment, neuronal function, and migration/invasion processes. In cancer biology—especially hepatocellular carcinoma—ANKFN1 acts as a pro-tumorigenic factor, with upregulated expression linked to increased cell proliferation, migration, and poor patient prognosis. Mechanistically, it activates the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway to drive the cyclin D1/Cdk4/Cdk6 cell cycle module and mediates effects via the RhoA/JNK pathway for migration/invasion. ANKFN1 is being investigated as a potential molecular target and biomarker for certain cancers and developmental disorders.
- Other names
- Ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type-III domain-containing protein 1ANKFN1FLJ38335WAKE
02
Mechanism of action
No drugs directly target ANKFN1. For experimental modulation: ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors can partially reverse ANKFN1-mediated proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, ANKFN1 stimulates cyclin D1/Cdk4/6 via MEK1/2-ERK1/2 activation.
03
Biological functions
Establishment of mitotic spindle orientationRegulation of bipolar cell polarityRegulation of cell cycle (G1/S transition)Cell proliferationCell apoptosisBehavioral fear responseEquilibrioception (balance)Locomotor rhythmNeuronal functionsRegulation of migration and invasion via MEK/ERK and RhoA/JNK signaling
04
Disease associations
Cancer (strong evidence for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): ANKFN1 upregulated, correlated with poor prognosis, promotes proliferation/metastasis, knockdown suppresses tumor growth)Developmental abnormalities (microdeletion locus associated with facial deformities, ptosis, skeletal/joint abnormalities)Multiple synostoses syndrome, proximal symphalangism (reported genetic associations)
05
Safety considerations
No clinical therapies currently target ANKFN1, so safety concerns are not directly established. Potential challenges may arise from: Wide tissue expression and pleiotropic roles (development, neuronal, cell cycle regulation)Risk of off-target effects on cell cycle progression and apoptosis if targeted
06
Interacting drugs
ERK1/2 inhibitors (experimental evidence for partial counteraction of ANKFN1-driven effects)
07
Biomarkers
ANKFN1 protein upregulation in tumor tissue (HCC) is associated with poor prognosis and can serve as a prognostic marker in HCC casesSerum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels correlate with ANKFN1 expression in HCC, but AFP itself is not an ANKFN1-specific biomarker
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing 1 (ANKFN1).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Ankyrin repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing 1 (ANKFN1).