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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Ciliated left-right organizer metallopeptidase (CIROP)
- Target
- CIROP
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme (metallopeptidase, specifically member of the peptidase M8 family), Transmembrane protein (type 1A morphology, plasma membrane localization), Developmental protein (based on function and annotations)
01
Overview
Ciliated left-right organizer metallopeptidase (CIROP) is a type 1 transmembrane zinc-metallopeptidase found at the cell surface, most expressed during early embryogenesis in the left-right organizer, with low but ubiquitous expression in adult tissues (highest in testis, thyroid, and lung)[1]. It is essential for proper establishment of left-right body axis during vertebrate development, with loss-of-function mutations resulting in visceral heterotaxy (situs ambiguus). The CIROP protein is 788 amino acids long, features a zinc binding motif characteristic of the peptidase M8 (leishmanolysin) family, and undergoes multiple post-translational modifications. Its main orthologs are present in most vertebrates except birds and most whales, indicating evolutionary essentiality in left-right patterning. CIROP interacts with other membrane proteins such as MKI67 and RNF225, which are involved in mitotic regulation and membrane functions. There are no known clinical drugs targeting CIROP, and its essential developmental role poses safety concerns for therapeutic manipulation[1][7][5][2].
- Other names
- CIROPLMLN2 (Leishmanolysin-like peptidase 2)Leishmanolysin homologHTX12ENSG00000283654Ciliated left-right organizer metallopeptidase
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable (no known drug ligands or inhibitors as of September 2025)
03
Biological functions
Establishment of left-right asymmetry in embryonic developmentPeptidase/metalloproteinase activityCell membrane signaling and cell surface organization in the left-right organizer structurePossible role in cell migration and invasion (by homology to paralogs)
04
Disease associations
Developmental defects: Pathogenic mutations cause *situs ambiguus* (disordered left-right organ positioning, also called visceral heterotaxy)Increased risk of ischemic stroke (due to disruption of a microRNA binding site)No strong evidence for roles in cancer, neurodegeneration, or infection
05
Safety considerations
Developmental essentiality: Loss of function causes profound developmental disorder in animal models (situs ambiguus). Targeting this molecule in the embryo or developing child would carry very high risk of structural birth defectsNo current druggability data or therapeutic experience
06
Interacting drugs
None known. No approved or investigational drugs currently target CIROP directly in the clinic or preclinical studies
07
Biomarkers
Pathogenic CIROP mutations and some transcript variants may indicate risk for situs ambiguus and possible increased susceptibility to ischemic stroke (in specific cases, e.g. Han Chinese populations)
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