Chromosome 9 open reading frame 85 (C9orf85)

Chromosome 9 open reading frame 85 (C9orf85) is a protein-coding gene in Homo sapiens located at 9q21.13, encoding a predicted protein of 179 amino acids in its major isoform, with several alternative splicing variants. The molecular weight is calculated at about 20.17 kDa, and the isoelectric point is approximately 9.54. C9orf85 is highly conserved across species and is predicted to be predominantly nuclear in localization, with minor mitochondrial and cytoplasmic distribution. Its expression is highest in differentiated epithelial cells, especially in the pancreas, urinary bladder, and thymus in adults, and in the intestine during mid-fetal development. Biological functions are currently uncharacterized, but expression data and recent omics analyses imply regulatory roles possibly linked to the immune system and nutritional status. One study found that C9orf85 expression is significantly downregulated in ZIP8 (SLC39A8) knockout cells and induced by essential micronutrients such as manganese and selenium, suggesting a relationship to metal ion homeostasis and potential involvement in cell proliferation and immune modulation. There is no current evidence that C9orf85 acts as a therapeutic target, receptor, enzyme, or transporter, nor are there any approved drugs acting on this protein or established mechanisms of action. Its possible role as a biomarker or disease mediator is under investigation, mainly through its correlation with ZIP8 in omics datasets and differential expression in certain pathological states, though causal or mechanistic links are unproven. C9orf85 thus remains a poorly understood, uncharacterized protein with some potential relevance to micronutrient biology, but no established therapeutic or diagnostic applications as of now.

Other names

Uncharacterized protein C9orf85MGC61599RP11-364E17.2LOC138241OTTHUMP00000021461