Olfactomedin-4 (OLFM4)

Olfactomedin-4 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein belonging to the olfactomedin domain-containing protein family and is encoded by the OLFM4 gene. It is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract (especially small intestine, colon, stomach), prostate, and bone marrow, with increased expression in inflamed tissues and various cancers. OLFM4 is an antiapoptotic factor that promotes tumor cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, notably S-phase transition. It negatively regulates innate immunity through direct interaction with NOD1 and NOD2, inhibiting NF-κB-mediated signaling and proinflammatory cytokine production, thus contributing to pathogen persistence such as Helicobacter pylori. In the intestinal crypts, OLFM4 is a marker of Lgr5-positive stem cells. As a target and modulator of key signaling pathways implicated in cancer and inflammation, OLFM4 is being explored as both a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in oncology and inflammatory diseases.

Other names

Olfactomedin-4GW112hGC-1pDP4hOlfDolfactoimedintiarinGC1G-CSF-stimulated clone 1 proteinantiapoptotic protein GW112