cAMP responsive element binding protein 3-like 4 (CREB3L4)

CREB3L4 is a transcription factor belonging to the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family that is anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane through a transmembrane domain[1][5]. It regulates gene expression via cAMP response elements and plays critical roles in multiple biological processes, notably as a negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation (blocking formation of fat cells), in spermatogenesis (development of male germ cells), and in the regulation of cell proliferation[1][2][3][4]. In humans, CREB3L4 expression is high in prostate tissue and is inducible by androgens, with demonstrated roles in prostate cancer cell growth and cell cycle progression[3][9]. CREB3L4 has also been implicated in the progression of breast and gastric cancers, and is correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics[1][6]. In mouse models, loss of CREB3L4 leads to reduced sperm number and increased adipocyte hyperplasia, implicating its importance in both fertility and metabolic disease[1][2]. The protein may also participate in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and unfolded protein degradation[2][3][4]. At present, there are no approved drugs targeting CREB3L4, though its profile as a regulator of key pathways makes it a candidate for further therapeutic research in cancer and metabolic disease[2][3][9].

Other names

CREB4AIBZIPCREB3JALhJALATCE1Tisp40Androgen-induced basic leucine zipper proteinAttaching to CRE-like 1Transcript induced in spermiogenesis protein 40cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like protein 4

No approved drugs directly targeting CREB3L4 as of current knowledge. Potential mechanism if targeted: modulation of transcriptional activity, affecting adipogenesis or tumor cell proliferation pathways