Golgi membrane protein 2 (GOLM2)

Golgi membrane protein 2 (GOLM2, also known as CASC4) is a single-pass type II membrane protein predominantly localized to the Golgi apparatus. Its biological functions are currently incompletely characterized, but available research suggests it regulates membrane protein trafficking, cell surface receptor recycling (notably EGFR), and survival signals in cancer cells, making it relevant to processes such as anoikis resistance and chemoresistance. High expression of GOLM2 in tumor cells correlates with poor prognosis in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma and increased resistance to standard platinum-based chemotherapies. It has been implicated as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker, although no approved drugs or direct inhibitors currently exist for this protein. Its paralog, GOLM1, is a driver in other cancers, but GOLM2’s precise molecular mechanisms are still being investigated.

Other names

Protein GOLM2CASC4Cancer susceptibility candidate gene 4 proteinH63DKFZp459F1927Cancer susceptibility 4Cancer susceptibility candidate 4Gene associated with HER-2/neu overexpression

None identified for direct pharmacological targeting. Proposed mechanism for future therapy: inhibiting GOLM2 could trigger degradation of EGFR, increase apoptosis, and combat chemoresistance in malignancies.