Chromosome 1 open reading frame 54 (C1orf54)

Chromosome 1 open reading frame 54 (C1orf54) encodes a predicted secreted protein whose biological function was initially unknown but has recently been shown to be highly expressed in the kidney, particularly in renal tubular epithelial cells[1][4][5]. C1orf54 promotes tubular epithelial cell proliferation and accelerates renal repair after ischemia-reperfusion injury via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, alleviating kidney damage and improving renal function in animal models[1]. Its deficiency impairs recovery, delays renal function restoration, and increases susceptibility to renal fibrosis[1]. Outside the kidney, C1orf54 is expressed in the small intestine and at low levels in other major organs[1][4]. There is currently no evidence of C1orf54 being a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, and it remains classified as an "other" molecular entity due to its incompletely characterized structure and function. No approved drugs or clinical candidates target C1orf54, but it is being recognized for its therapeutic potential in kidney injury repair and regeneration[1][3][5].

Other names

C1orf54FLJ23221Uncharacterized protein C1orf54

No drugs targeting C1orf54 have been described; mechanism is speculative but would involve modulation of cell proliferation—possibly via PI3K/AKT signaling[1].