Chromosome 16 open reading frame 74 (C16orf74)

Chromosome 16 open reading frame 74 (C16orf74), also known as microprotein for thermogenesis 1 (MICT1), is a microprotein with multiple transcript variants, most notably expressed in cancer cells such as those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and in brown adipose tissue[1][2][3]. In cancer, especially pancreatic, C16orf74 promotes cell proliferation and invasiveness by interacting with the protein phosphatase PPP3CA (calcineurin A) via a PxIxIT motif and its phosphorylation at threonine 44, thereby possibly influencing NFAT-mediated transcription and downstream oncogenic pathways[1]. In metabolism, C16orf74/MICT1 is specifically induced in brown adipose tissue upon cold exposure and enhances thermogenesis, implicating a physiological role in energy homeostasis and obesity resistance[2][3]. C16orf74 has also been reported in disease gene expression profiles for inflammation and is regulated downstream of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1)[1]. No drugs currently target C16orf74 directly, but it shows therapeutic and biomarker potential in oncology and metabolic research.

Other names

MICT1microprotein for thermogenesis 1uncharacterized protein C16orf74MGC17624ASRACLMBadipose-secreted regulator of appetitehypothetical protein 1/2/3

In cancer: modulation of the PPP3CA (calcineurin A) pathway, potentially influencing NFAT nuclear translocation and transcription, leading to increased cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness[1]. In metabolism: enhancement of thermogenesis (heat production) in brown adipose tissue, mechanism partially elucidated to involve regulation of mitochondrial function[3].