Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 16 (CEACAM16)

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 16 (CEACAM16) is a secreted glycoprotein expressed in the outer hair cells of the mammalian cochlea, where it interacts with and helps maintain the structure and integrity of the tectorial membrane essential for the normal function of hearing. Mutations in the CEACAM16 gene lead to autosomal dominant and recessive forms of nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss; the protein does not currently serve as a drug target but is of clinical genetic importance for hereditary deafness. CEACAM16 is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen family of cell adhesion molecules, distinct from classical receptor, enzyme, or transporter classes. The gene is located on chromosome 19q13.32. No evidence is present for direct pharmacological targeting or clinically approved drugs interacting with CEACAM16. Its function is mainly structural in cochlear extracellular matrices, and its loss leads to progressive hearing impairment. Known disease associations are specific to non-syndromic hereditary deafness, but not cancer, inflammation, or other major disease areas.

Other names

CEACAM16CEAL2DFNA4BDFNB113CEA cell adhesion molecule 16tectorial membrane componentcarcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 16carcinoembryonic antigen-like 2 protein