Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor SMG7 (SMG7)

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor SMG7 is a protein critical for the NMD pathway, which protects cells by rapidly degrading mRNAs with premature stop codons, preventing synthesis of potentially harmful truncated proteins[1][3][4][5]. SMG7 operates by binding to phosphorylated UPF1 and forming a heterodimer with SMG5, thereby recruiting decay machinery such as the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)[1][3][4][5]. This multifaceted interaction coordinates decapping and exonucleolytic degradation of aberrant transcripts, and helps regulate the phosphorylation state of UPF1 to ensure accurate mRNA surveillance[1][3][4][5]. SMG7 additionally influences tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced apoptosis and the NF-κB pathway, acting as a tumor suppressor in some human cancers by restricting survival-promoting signals when functioning normally[2]. Mutations or loss of SMG7 can lead to resistance against cell death and disruption of transcriptomic integrity, with implications for cancer and other diseases[2][3].

Other names

C1orf16EST1ChSMG-7KIAA0250SGA56MSMG-7EST1 telomerase component homolog C (S. cerevisiae)EST1-like protein CBreast cancer-associated antigen SGA-56MEver shorter telomeres 1Csmg-7 homolog

Not applicable; SMG7 is not a direct drug target. Its function modulates pathways involving mRNA surveillance and cell death, which might be influenced by indirect pharmacological interventions[2][3].