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Focadhesin (FOCAD)
- Target
- FOCAD
- Molecular classification
- Focal adhesion complex protein, Cytoskeletal-associated protein, Transmembrane protein, Other
01
Overview
Focadhesin is a large (approximately 160-170 kDa) protein encoded by the *FOCAD* gene (KIAA1797) and localizes to focal adhesion sites in cells, physically interacting with vinculin. It is predominantly expressed in the brain and various other tissues and is frequently deleted or downregulated in gliomas, where it acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Focadhesin may also regulate RNA degradation via the exosome complex and maintain proteostasis of SKIC2 and SKIC3 in the liver. Genetic variation in *FOCAD*/KIAA1797 has been linked to both neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and cardiovascular traits (e.g., heart rate). There are currently no approved drugs that target Focadhesin directly[1][3][4][5][6][7].
- Other names
- KIAA1797FLJ20375SCOLIVfocadhesinFOCADFOCAD_HUMANLOC54914
02
Mechanism of action
None directly established for drugs, as no drugs targeting Focadhesin/FOCAD are reported. Mechanistically, restoring FOCAD expression inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells.
03
Biological functions
Tumor suppressor function (gliomas)Focal adhesion formation and maintenancePhysical interaction with vinculin at focal adhesions (implicated in cell adhesion and migration)Potential regulation of post-transcriptional gene silencingMaintenance of SKIC2 and SKIC3 proteostasis in the liverMay regulate RNA degradation via the exosome complex
04
Disease associations
Cancer (especially glioblastoma/glioma tumor suppression)Neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s disease genetic variation association)Liver diseaseSevere Congenital DiseaseLynch Syndrome 5Heart rate modulation (SNP association)
05
Safety considerations
None specifically reported. As a tumor suppressor, loss of function is detrimental but no evident therapeutic safety concerns are described.
06
Biomarkers
Deletion or diminished expression of FOCAD is associated with poor prognosis in gliomas and other cancersSNP rs7875153 linked to heart rate variation
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