Myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL)

Myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) is a highly hydrophobic, tetraspan integral membrane proteolipid that localizes to specialized membrane domains in T cells, polarized epithelial cells, and myelin-forming cells[1][2][4][5]. It is a member of the MARVEL domain family, involved in organizing and maintaining membrane microdomains important for vesicular trafficking, signal transduction, and myelin sheath maintenance[1][2]. In T cells, MAL is crucial for trafficking of key signaling molecules such as Lck kinase and is upregulated during Th2 differentiation in inflammatory or allergic responses[1]. In myelinating cells, it regulates lateral diffusion and membrane organization important for compact myelin formation and stability[1][5]. Its downregulation or epigenetic silencing is observed in various carcinomas, supporting a tumor suppressor role, while it also serves as a marker for primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma[3]. Although proposed as a receptor for Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, its prevailing biological roles are in membrane specialization and immune or neural development[1][2][5].

Other names

T-lymphocyte maturation-associated proteinMVP17VIP17HLD28malT-cell differentiation proteinT cell differentiation proteinmyelin and lymphocyte proteinplasmolipin-like protein 1BENE