Glia maturation factor gamma (GMFG)

Glia maturation factor gamma (GMFG) is a small, 17 kDa evolutionarily conserved protein highly expressed in hematopoietic and inflammatory cells[1][2]. GMFG regulates actin cytoskeleton reorganization by interacting with complexes such as Arp2/3, thereby facilitating cell migration and invasion—key for both normal immune cell function and tumor progression. In the context of glioma (including glioblastoma), high GMFG expression is frequently observed and correlates with an aggressive mesenchymal phenotype, increased tumor-associated macrophage infiltration, and poor prognosis. GMFG also functions as a cytokine-responsive protein implicated in the commitment and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, further linking its biology to immune response and inflammation[1][2]. Although not a classical drug target, its association with poor outcomes in glioma, especially with respect to responsiveness to standard chemotherapy like temozolomide, makes it a candidate prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target under investigation[1].

Other names

Glia maturation factor-γGMF-gammaGMF-GAMMAGMFG

Not directly targeted by existing drugs, but high GMFG expression is associated with poor response to TMZ (a DNA-alkylating agent used in gliomas), possibly due to its role in tumor cell invasion and immune microenvironment modulation