Inactive rhomboid protein 1 (RHBDF1)

Inactive rhomboid protein 1 (RHBDF1) is a member of the rhomboid-like superfamily, classified as a pseudoprotease because it lacks conserved catalytic residues required for protease activity[1]. Despite this, it plays crucial roles in various cellular processes, including regulation of growth factor signaling (notably the EGFR pathway), cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy[4]. RHBDF1 is essential for the growth and survival of epithelial cancer cells and is significantly upregulated in several cancers, such as breast and head and neck cancers[4]. It also modulates tumor microenvironment dynamics and fibrosis formation through its impact on AP-1 transcription factor activation and the JNK signaling pathway, affecting processes such as endothelial–mesenchymal transition and stromal remodeling[2]. Given its central role in sustaining tumor cell growth and survival signals, RHBDF1 is considered a potential therapeutic target, although currently there are no approved drugs specifically inhibiting its activity in clinical practice[4][2].

Other names

C16orf8DIST1IRHOM1iRhom1EGFR-RSFLJ2235p100hRhogene-89gene-90hDist1rhomboid family member 1

RNA interference (siRNA) resulting in gene silencing and growth inhibition; Indirect modulation of growth factor signaling (e.g., via AKT, ERK, mTOR)