Membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A member 12 (MS4A12)

Membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A member 12 (MS4A12) is a protein coding gene expressed primarily in the apical membrane of colonocytes. This protein is believed to participate in cell membrane structure, signaling, differentiation, and regulation of cell proliferation. MS4A12 is part of the MS4A gene family whose members are typically components of cell surface protein complexes involved in signal transduction. Silencing MS4A12 in colon cancer cells inhibits proliferation, motility, and invasion, suggesting its involvement in tumor biology and making it a candidate therapeutic and diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. Low expression of MS4A12 is associated with worse prognosis and survival in colorectal cancer. The full extent of its physiological roles, disease associations, and potential for targeted therapy is still under investigation.

Other names

MS4A12Ms4a10FLJ20217

Not specifically established; may include regulation of cell proliferation and invasion through effects on signal transduction pathways (e.g., interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor signaling)