Melanoregulin (MREG)

Melanoregulin (MREG) is a small, highly charged, multiply-palmitoylated membrane-associated protein involved in the regulation of vesicular transport, especially within melanosomes and lysosome-related organelles. It couples cytoplasmic vesicles to the transport machinery and plays a role in pigmentation by facilitating melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. MREG is critical for lysosomal and phagosome maturation in retinal pigment epithelial cells, where its loss leads to accumulation of undigested material and lipofuscin. It is not homologous to canonical motor or transport proteins but affects organelle motility in a myosin-independent manner. MREG may act as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer, with its downregulation associated with increased cell invasion and proliferation. Its structure is characterized by six α-helices and a cholesterol recognition sequence, and its localization and function are dependent on post-translational lipidation and membrane cholesterol content. There is no evidence for MREG being a therapeutic target in conventional pharmacology (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter).

Other names

MREGDSUWDT2Dilute suppressor protein homologWhn-dependent transcript 2FLJ10116HDCGA21P

Not applicable (not a known direct drug target)