Myelin-associated neurite-outgrowth inhibitor (FAM168B)

Myelin-associated neurite-outgrowth inhibitor (abbreviated FAM168B or MANI) is a membrane-associated protein highly expressed in the central nervous system, particularly at myelin sheaths of catecholaminergic nerve fibers[4][1][3]. It acts as a potent inhibitor of neuronal axonal outgrowth, functioning by negatively regulating the small GTPase Cdc42 and transcription factor STAT3, while positively regulating the microtubule regulator STMN2 and the cell-cycle component CDC27[3][4]. Overexpression of FAM168B promotes differentiation of neural stem cells into catecholaminergic neurons but retards axonal elongation in mature neurons, possibly contributing to the adult central nervous system’s limited capacity for axonal regeneration after injury[2][4][6]. Knockdown of its pathway partners (notably CDC27 of the anaphase-promoting complex) suggests FAM168B may act as an intrinsic inhibitor of regeneration, making it of interest for therapeutic studies in trauma or neurodegeneration, though it is not currently regarded as a validated therapeutic target[4]. Genetic associations link FAM168B to neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders, but no drugs are known to directly modulate its activity[3][4].

Other names

FAM168BMANIKIAA0280Lmyelin-associated neurite-outgrowth inhibitorprotein FAM168Bp20