Centromere protein M (CENPM)

Centromere protein M (CENPM) is a structural inner kinetochore protein that is essential for chromosome segregation during cell division[2][6]. It is a core component of the constitutive centromere-associated network and participates in the assembly and stability of the HIKM complex (with CENP-H, -I, and -K), required for kinetochore function[1][2]. CENPM is structurally related to small GTPases but lacks nucleotide-binding activity[1][2]. Alternative transcription leads to a variant expressed in B-lymphoid cells, with potential immune-regulatory roles[4]. Overexpression of CENPM is implicated in several malignancies and is associated with poor clinical prognosis, supporting its potential as a prognostic biomarker in cancer[3]. As of now, specific drugs targeting CENPM are not clinically established, but its biological significance in mitosis and oncogenesis supports ongoing research interest in its mechanistic and therapeutic potential[3].

Other names

CENPMC22orf18ICEN39PANE1CENP-MInterphase centromere complex protein 39Proliferation-associated nuclear element protein 1

Not established as a direct therapeutic target for small molecules or biologics; proposed mechanisms in cancer models include modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway