Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 (EPB41)

Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 (EPB41, Protein 4.1, 4.1R) is an essential component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, where it forms a complex with spectrin and actin to stabilize the red blood cell membrane and regulate its mechanical stability and deformability[1][2][3][7]. It anchors the cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane by binding to transmembrane proteins such as glycophorin C, band 3, Duffy antigen, and Rh complex proteins[2][5]. EPB41 is critical for maintaining normal erythrocyte shape; loss-of-function mutations result in hereditary elliptocytosis or spherocytosis and associated hemolytic anemia[1][2][3]. Beyond erythrocytes, EPB41 is expressed in other tissues, influences cell cycle and proliferation, and has been implicated as a candidate biomarker in some cancers[2]. There are no documented small-molecule or antibody drugs that directly target EPB41 as of the current literature, and its major clinical relevance is as a structural protein and potential disease biomarker rather than as a direct therapeutic target[2][3].

Other names

Protein 4.14.1RBand 4.1EPB4.1P4.1E41PEL1HEelliptocytosis 1 (RH-linked)erythrocyte surface protein band 4.1