Chromosome 18 open reading frame 32 (C18orf32)

Chromosome 18 open reading frame 32 (C18orf32) encodes a small 76-amino-acid protein localized primarily to the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets in a wide range of human tissues[4][10][11][5]. It is implicated in the positive regulation of the canonical NF-kappa-B signaling pathway and may be involved in the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, which are important for membrane protein anchoring[1][5][3]. The gene is associated with rare congenital disorders linked to GPI anchor biosynthesis defects[3]. However, the specific molecular function remains poorly characterized, and it is not currently considered a validated or canonical therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or transcription factor[3][5][11]. Its role may be supportive or regulatory rather than being a direct target for drugs. Its alternative names reflect its protein family classification and its suspected—yet unconfirmed—role in NF-kappa-B pathway activation[3][1][5].

Other names

UPF0729 protein C18orf32FLJ23458Putative NF-kappa-B-activating protein 200GPIBD25Putative NFkB activating protein