Chromosome segregation 1-like protein (CSE1L) (CSE1L)

Chromosome segregation 1-like protein (CSE1L), also known as Cellular Apoptosis Susceptibility (CAS) protein, is a member of the importin-beta family of nuclear transport receptors (UniProt P55060; NCBI Gene 1434). It functions primarily as an exportin, specifically mediating the nuclear export of importin-alpha, which is essential for the continuous cycle of nuclear protein import (Tai et al., 2010). Beyond its transport function, CSE1L plays a significant role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the shedding of microvesicles that facilitate tumor metastasis (Jiang, 2016). CSE1L is frequently overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies, including melanoma, breast, and colon cancers, where it is associated with increased cell proliferation and poor clinical outcomes (Poutani et al., 2021). As a therapeutic target, CSE1L is being explored through the use of RNA interference (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides to downregulate its expression, as well as experimental small molecules like Gambogic acid designed to disrupt its function (Tai et al., 2010). Inhibiting CSE1L leads to the accumulation of importin-alpha in the nucleus, disrupting cellular homeostasis and inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells.

Other names

CASCellular apoptosis susceptibility proteinExportin-2XPO2CSE1

Downregulation of CSE1L expression via RNA interference or antisense technology, or inhibition of its nuclear export function, leading to the disruption of importin-alpha recycling and induction of apoptosis (Tai et al., 2010; Jiang, 2016).