Ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1)

Ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1) is a conserved, glycosylated lysosomal protein found in vertebrates, including humans. Structurally, EPDR1 adopts a dimeric LolA/EPDR fold with deep hydrophobic grooves, suggesting a function in lipid binding or transport, particularly in the context of lysosomal lipid metabolism or as a lipid activator protein[1][3]. It exhibits sequence and structural homology to bacterial lipoprotein transporters (LolA/LolB), but its precise physiological substrates remain unidentified[1][3]. EPDR1 is implicated in modulating lysosomal glycosphingolipid-processing enzymes and has a role in cellular metabolism, including positive regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells[7]. In disease, EPDR1 expression and genetic variants are associated with colorectal cancer, metabolic dysfunction, and glaucoma, but no direct small molecule inhibitors or drugs targeting EPDR1 are known at present[5]. The protein is not currently classified as a classical therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Mammalian ependymin-related protein 1MERP1UCC1EPDRUpregulated in colorectal cancer gene 1 proteinependymin related protein 1