Long non-coding RNA TMEM244 (TMEM244)

TMEM244 was initially annotated as 'transmembrane protein 244' and presumed to be a membrane protein based on in silico predictions; however, recent experimental evidence shows that TMEM244 is not translated into a protein and instead functions as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). The TMEM244 transcript is primarily localized to the cytoplasm and is essential for the proliferation and survival of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells. Expression of TMEM244 is a potential diagnostic marker, particularly distinguishing Sézary syndrome from similar conditions. There is no experimental confirmation of TMEM244 protein expression, and its gene does not display protein-coding potential. While annotated as a transmembrane protein in some databases, consensus from recent literature is that TMEM244 is a cytoplasmic lncRNA with roles in malignant T-cell biology, not a classical receptor, enzyme, or transmembrane protein[1][2][5].

Other names

C6orf191bA174C7.4putative transmembrane protein 244putative transmembrane protein C6orf191