Chromosome 11 open reading frame 42 (C11orf42)

C11orf42 is an uncharacterized, proline-rich protein of 333 amino acids, encoded by a gene spanning 11p15.4. The main sequence features are a domain of unknown function (DUF4463) and a proline-rich region. It is expressed broadly across tissues, including skin, testis, bladder, and brain, with highest levels in testes and thyroid tumors[1][2][5][6]. Structural analysis suggests partial homology to gasdermin proteins, but unlike canonical gasdermins, C11orf42 lacks membrane-penetrating features and thus may not form membrane pores; its putative role has been postulated as a scaffold involved in protein-protein interactions[2][5]. Its clinical significance is not fully understood, but correlations exist between C11orf42 expression and tumor proliferation, prevalence of bladder carcinoma, and modulation of brain aneurysm wall strength[1][2][5]. It interacts with the sorting nexins SNX2 and SNX5, which are involved in growth factor receptor stabilization[3], and IGLL1 via text-mining. There are no known drugs or diagnostic biomarkers targeting C11orf42, and it is not currently considered a therapeutic target[6]. Overall, C11orf42 represents an evolutionarily conserved, structurally intriguing protein with possible—but as yet unconfirmed—roles in cancer biology and vascular disease. Current annotation remains incomplete and largely predictive[1][2][5][6].

Other names

Uncharacterized protein C11orf42MGC34805