Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 1 (EPB41L1)

Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 1 (EPB41L1, also known as 4.1N) is a cytoskeletal adaptor protein predominantly expressed in neurons. It links membrane proteins—such as dopamine D2/D3 receptors and ionotropic glutamate receptors—to the actin-spectrin cytoskeleton, thereby contributing to the integrity and plasticity of neuronal membranes. 4.1N regulates receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity, participates in mechanosensory functions in the inner ear, and interacts with a variety of cellular proteins involved in neuronal morphology and migration. Beyond the nervous system, EPB41L1/4.1N is implicated as a tumor suppressor: its downregulation is correlated with increased cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in several epithelial cancers. Thus, EPB41L1 acts as a crucial mediator of membrane-cytoskeleton interactions, receptor signaling, and cellular stability in both neuronal and epithelial contexts.

Other names

4.1NKIAA0338Band 4.1-like protein 1Neuronal protein 4.1MRD11neuron-type nonerythroid protein 4.1band 4.1-like protein 1EPB41L1