Eva-1 homolog A (EVA1A)

Eva-1 homolog A (EVA1A) is a lysosome- and endoplasmic reticulum-associated transmembrane protein involved in regulating autophagy and apoptosis in vertebrates. It is encoded by the EVA1A gene and is known by several aliases including TMEM166 and FAM176A. EVA1A is expressed variably across tissues, with high levels in specific normal cells (adrenal cortex, islet cells, hepatocytes) and downregulation observed in a variety of human cancers. It interacts with autophagy-related proteins (like Atg16L1), promoting autophagosome formation and regulating programmed cell death. EVA1A plays essential roles in embryonic neurogenesis, response to liver injury, cardiac remodeling, and viral infection control. Recent research has highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target, particularly in oncology, where strategies such as CAR-T cells directed at EVA1A-expressing tumors have shown preclinical efficacy. EVA1A expression levels may function as a clinical biomarker for cancer progression and prognosis, but care must be taken due to its non-exclusive cancer expression and role in normal physiology.

Other names

TMEM166FAM176ARegulator of programmed cell deathSequence similarity family 176

Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells via caspase-3 pathway Promotion of autophagic cell death and mitophagy Modulation of NF-κB signaling (especially in glioblastoma-initiating cells with a role in proliferation and stemness) Influence on drug resistance by upregulating autophagy