Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1 (EML1)

Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1 (EML1) is a member of the conserved EMAP/EML family of proteins, defined by their roles in microtubule binding and stabilization within the cytoskeleton[2][3]. EML1 is essential for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation during meiosis and mitosis, particularly in oocyte maturation, where its loss causes spindle defects and reproductive failure in mice[1]. The protein localizes specifically to spindle microtubules, contributes to kinetochore-microtubule attachment, and interacts with mitotic regulators such as NUDC[1]. Structurally, EML1 contains a conserved hydrophobic EML protein (HELP) motif and WD40 repeats that form a unique tandem β-propeller (TAPE) domain, providing the molecular basis for its tubulin-binding function[2]. While EML1 itself is not the direct target of any approved drugs, related EMAP-like family proteins (notably EML4 and its fusions) are involved in oncogenic events such as EML4-ALK in lung cancer, with direct therapeutic implications. In rare cases, EML1 fusion with ABL1 has been reported in leukemia, further supporting a pathophysiological role for aberrant EML1 gene rearrangements[3]. Overall, EML1 is a cytoskeletal regulator and not a canonical therapeutic target (such as a receptor or enzyme), but its dysfunction is implicated in developmental and oncogenic processes.

Other names

EML1EMAP1EMAPLEMAPL1EMAP-1HuEMAP-1EMAPHuEMAPELP79BHEMAP-like 1echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1

Not applicable for native EML1. For EML1-ABL1 and EML4-ALK fusions: kinase inhibition, chaperone (Hsp90) inhibition (by analogy to related fusion proteins targeted in cancer therapies).