Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 2 protein (LHFPL2)

Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 2 protein (LHFPL2) is a member of the tetraspan transmembrane protein family, specifically within the lipoma HMGIC fusion partner (LHFP) gene family, which is involved in membrane structure and potentially cell signaling[5][7]. LHFPL2 is expressed in reproductive tract tissues and is required for normal development of the female and male distal reproductive tracts, as demonstrated in mouse models, where loss results in malformations and infertility[3]. In humans, LHFPL2 has recently been implicated as a biomarker for M2 macrophage polarization in renal cell carcinoma, with high expression correlating with poor prognosis and increased immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, specifically via associations with tumor-associated macrophages and reduced natural killer cell infiltration[1]. It is considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer immunomodulation based on these findings, though functional drug validation is still needed[1].

Other names

LHFPL tetraspan subfamily member 2KIAA0206LHFP-like protein 2LHFPL tetraspan subfamily member 2 proteinlipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 2 protein

Small molecule inhibitors predicted through molecular docking (e.g., conivaptan, nilotinib, olaparib) may inhibit LHFPL2 directly, though mechanisms remain to be confirmed experimentally[1].