Cathepsin L pseudogene 4 (CTSLP4)

Cathepsin L pseudogene 4 (CTSLP4) is a non-protein-coding pseudogene located in the human genome and associated with the cathepsin L gene family[4]. Recent research has identified a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from this locus, termed lnc-CTSLP4, which is significantly downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and acts as a tumor suppressor. lnc-CTSLP4 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by binding the molecular chaperone Hsp90α, recruiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase ZFP91, and promoting the degradation of HNRNPAB—a transcription factor for the gene Snail (involved in EMT). Due to its specific activity in cancer biology, lnc-CTSLP4 may be considered an emerging prognostic biomarker and investigational therapeutic target, but CTSLP4 itself does not code for a functional protein or conventional drug target[1][4]. This locus is not a receptor or classical drug target, and the term “cathepsin L pseudogene 4” refers specifically to its status as a non-functional pseudogene rather than an active molecular target[4]. The literature refers to its role via lncRNA function, not as a protein or conventional receptor/enzyme[1].

Other names

bA564C4.3OTTHUMG00000018237lnc-CTSLP4

For lnc-CTSLP4: Binds Hsp90α, recruits E3 ubiquitin ligase ZFP91, promotes degradation of HNRNPAB (a transcription factor for Snail), regulating EMT and metastasis