Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (EPB41L3)

Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 is a cytoskeletal adapter protein expressed in multiple tissues, including the brain, lung, kidney, and intestine[3][4]. It contains a FERM domain, allowing it to link the plasma membrane to the cytoskeleton and interface with transmembrane proteins such as CD44[3]. EPB41L3 regulates cell adhesion, inhibits cell proliferation, and promotes apoptosis by modulating caspase and protein arginine methyltransferase activity[1][2][4]. Knockout studies indicate roles in nervous system development and myelin organization[3]. EPB41L3 functions as a tumor suppressor, whose reduced expression (often through promoter hypermethylation) contributes to cancer development and poor prognosis[2][4]. Molecular interactions, epigenetic regulation, and its methylation status are under investigation for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Note: There are no widely approved drugs targeting EPB41L3 directly. Research is ongoing into small molecules that may modulate EPB41L3 function or its interactions, with a focus on cancer[3]. Promoter methylation status and protein expression are in use as clinical biomarkers for cancer prognosis[2][4].

Other names

Band 4.1-like protein 3DAL-1 (Differentially expressed in adenocarcinoma of the lung protein 1)4.1BKIAA0987

Potential future drugs may act by restoring or enhancing EPB41L3 tumor suppressor activity, modulating its methylation status, or altering its interaction with CD44 or cytoskeletal partners[2][3]