Cilia- and flagella-associated protein 77 (CFAP77)

Cilia- and flagella-associated protein 77 (CFAP77) is a **structural protein** conserved across many species, including humans and model organisms such as *Chlamydomonas* and *Tetrahymena*[1][2]. CFAP77 localizes at the **outer junction** of axonemal doublet microtubules in motile cilia and is crucial for the **structural stability** of the cilia by supporting the nucleation and connection between A- and B-tubules. Knockout studies indicate its absence mildly destabilizes the ciliary outer junction, leading to reduced ciliary motility and dysregulation of ciliary beating patterns[1][2]. CFAP77 is not a classic therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme but plays a **critical architectural role** within cilia. In humans, its expression increases during the differentiation of ciliated epithelial cells and it shows post-translational modifications in contexts such as buffalo sperm; hypomethylation of the CFAP77 gene has also been tentatively linked to opioid dependence. However, evidence for direct therapeutic targeting is lacking, and no known drugs interact directly with CFAP77[1][2].

Other names

C9orf171FLJ46082cilia- and flagella-associated protein 77