Family with sequence similarity 98 member A (FAM98A)

Family with sequence similarity 98 member A (FAM98A) is a protein encoded by the FAM98A gene in humans, characterized primarily by a conserved RNA-binding domain (DUF2465) and a glycine-rich C-terminal domain[1][5][6]. It is broadly expressed, notably in smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes, and multiple malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, where its overexpression is associated with enhanced cell proliferation, advanced tumor staging, and lymph node metastasis[2][3]. Functionally, FAM98A interacts with other RNA-binding proteins and stimulates PRMT1-mediated protein arginine methylation, with roles in cellular RNA processes, lysosome regulation, and possibly skeletal homeostasis[3][4]. It is not an enzyme, receptor, ion channel, or transporter, but an RNA-binding protein involved in diverse regulatory functions, especially linked to cell proliferation in various tumors[1][3][6].\n\n**Supporting details and context:**\n- **Aliases and alternative names** are well-established, with \"Protein FAM98A\" and related transcript IDs used in major biological databases[1][6].\n- **Molecular classification**: FAM98A is classified within the \"Other\" category, being an RNA-binding protein and not a member of classic druggable target classes like enzymes or receptors[1][4][5].\n- **Biological functions** are well-characterized experimentally: it enhances PRMT1-driven methylation, participates in RNA processing, lysosome positioning, and is upregulated in several aggressive cancer types, promoting cell proliferation through the p38-ATF2-cyclin D1 pathway[2][3].\n- **Disease roles**: Overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer tissues suggests a contributory role in tumor development and aggressiveness[2][3]. There are weaker associations with diseases such as hypertension, though causality is not established[1].\n- There are **no known interacting drugs** nor mechanisms of drug action targeting FAM98A directly in the literature as of the latest updates[2][3][5][6].\n- **FAM98A overexpression** correlates with adverse features in cancer but is not a recognized biomarker for therapy selection or monitoring, nor is it currently a therapeutic target[2][3][5].\n- No reported **safety concerns** as it is not therapeutically targeted.\n\nIn summary, FAM98A is a conserved, multifunctional RNA-binding protein, implicated in cancer cell biology and various aspects of RNA regulation, but is not an established therapeutic target in current clinical paradigms[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

Protein FAM98ADKFZP564F0522RASGRP3-AS1