Nicalin (NCLN)

Nicalin is a conserved multi-pass transmembrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. It is a core component of the multi-pass translocon (MPT) complex (including the BOS complex), which facilitates the insertion of multi-pass membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer after the initial membrane insertion by the SEC61 complex[3][2][1]. Nicalin helps regulate the stability and organization of protein complexes within the ER and is implicated in embryonic development, particularly through regulation of Nodal signaling and interaction with NOMO. Additionally, Nicalin has been identified as a modulator of Eph receptor (EphA7) signaling by influencing the ER localization and subsequent modification of soluble EphA7[1]. Although associated with cellular and developmental processes, Nicalin is not a classic therapeutic target (receptor, enzyme, etc.), and no drugs directly targeting it have been reported. Mutations or dysfunction in NCLN have been linked to congenital diseases such as Hirschsprung disease 1[3][7].

Other names

BOS complex subunit NCLNNICALINNET59Nicastrin-like proteinnicalin homolognicastrin-like protein