Islet cell autoantigen 1-like protein (ICA1L)

Islet cell autoantigen 1-like protein (ICA1L) is a multifunctional protein encoded by the ICA1L gene and is highly similar in sequence to ICA1. Unlike classical therapeutic targets, ICA1L acts mainly as a mediator of intracellular vesicle trafficking, particularly in spermatid development where it forms BAR-domain complexes with PICK1. ICA1L is crucial for the formation of the acrosome during spermiogenesis, and its deficiency leads to impaired sperm morphology and infertility in males. In the brain, ICA1L abundance is linked to cerebrovascular integrity, with genetic regulation of its protein levels associated with risk for small vessel stroke and non-lobar intracerebral hemorrhage, indicating a probable role in maintaining vascular and neuronal health. Integrative omics studies also suggest its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. ICA1L is not currently established as a direct therapeutic target or drug receptor/enzyme, though it is emerging as a biomarker for vascular and neurodegenerative disorders[1][2].

Other names

ALS2CR14ALS2CR15Ica69-related proteinAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2 chromosomal region candidate gene 14 proteinAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2 chromosomal region candidate gene 15 proteinislet cell autoantigen 1,69kDa-like