Glypican-1 (GPC1)

Glypican-1 is a member of the glypican family of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage[1][7][8]. It consists of a core protein of 558 amino acids with three attached heparan sulfate chains and two N-linked glycans[1][5]. GPC1 is involved in modulating multiple signaling pathways through interactions with growth factors and their receptors, regulating cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation[1][3][4][5][7]. It is expressed in the central nervous system, skeletal system, and various tissues, and shows aberrant expression in several cancers where it facilitates tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis[5][7][8]. GPC1 also plays roles in neurodevelopment and has been implicated in prion protein misfolding and neurodegenerative processes[4][8]. Therapeutic targeting of GPC1 is under preclinical development, including monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, and CAR-T cell therapies[8].

Other names

GPC1Glypican 1Glypican-1Secreted glypican-1Epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinGlypican proteoglycan 1

Antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cell therapy, immunotoxins, radiotherapy, bispecific T cell engagers targeting GPC1 induce tumor cell death by binding specifically to GPC1 on cancer cells. Inhibition or modulation of downstream growth factor signaling pathways when GPC1 is targeted.