Mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1)

Mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1) is a type I transmembrane protein, mainly restricted to mast cells and myeloid lineage cells such as monocytes and alveolar macrophages[5]. Its cytoplasmic region contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), enabling downstream signaling and cytokine induction in mast cells[2]. MCEMP1 acts as an adaptor for the KIT receptor, critical for stem cell factor (SCF)-mediated mast cell proliferation and airway mast cell accumulation during inflammatory diseases such as asthma[2]. In monocytes and macrophages, MCEMP1 is strongly upregulated during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by TGFβ, facilitating chemotaxis, adhesion, migration, and activating RHO GTPase signaling[1]. High expression marks severe and progressive forms of inflammatory lung diseases, suggesting its utility as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in conditions driven by mast cell overproliferation or dysfunctional monocyte recruitment[1][2][5].

Other names

C19orf59MGC132456mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1epididymis secretory sperm binding protein

Adaptor protein amplifying KIT-SCF signaling for mast cell proliferation via its ITAM domain Modulation of TGFβ-driven chemotaxis and migration in monocyte/macrophage populations (through RHO signaling)