Epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1)

Epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) is a four-transmembrane-domain protein belonging to the growth arrest-specific 3 (GAS3)/peripheral myelin protein 22 kDa (PMP22) gene family. EMP1 is implicated in key regulatory roles in cell proliferation, cell migration, apoptosis, cell-cell adhesion, and immune microenvironment modulation. In cancer, EMP1 can act both as a promoter of tumor metastasis (such as in prostate cancer and glioblastoma) and as a tumor suppressor (e.g., in nasopharyngeal, esophageal, colorectal, gastric, and ovarian cancers), with its expression variously upregulated or downregulated depending on tumor type and context[1][3][5]. EMP1 may regulate signal transduction and immune cell interactions, affecting tumor immune infiltration. Although no drugs currently target EMP1 clinically, it is under investigation as a novel therapeutic and diagnostic target, and its expression status is proposed as a biomarker for prognosis and tumor immune landscape across multiple tumor types[1][2][3][5].

Other names

B4BTMPEMP-1CL-20Protein B4BTumor-associated membrane protein

Not applicable; no currently approved drugs. For experimental targeting, mechanisms focus on inhibiting EMP1-mediated cell migration and invasion—potentially via modulation of Rac1, copine-III interaction, or associated signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, c-myc)