Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PITPNC1)

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PITPNC1) is a class II phosphatidylinositol transfer protein predominantly located in the cytoplasm. It contains an N-terminal PITP domain that binds phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) and phosphatidic acid, facilitating their transfer between membrane compartments. PITPNC1 is genetically amplified and overexpressed in several metastatic cancers, where it promotes tumor progression by enhancing the secretory capacity of the Golgi through recruitment of RAB1B, interaction with 14-3-3 proteins, and regulation of Golgi extension. The protein’s activity leads to increased secretion of pro-invasive and pro-angiogenic mediators (such as MMP1, PDGFA, HTRA1, FAM3C, ADAM10), driving cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Additionally, PITPNC1’s dysfunction is linked to retinal degeneration due to its connection to lipid signaling and metabolism pathways.

Other names

Cytoplasmic phosphatidylinositol transfer protein 1RDGBB1RDGBBRDGB-BETAMammalian rdgB homolog betaRetinal degeneration B homolog betaM-RDGB-betaMRDGBbetaRdgBbetaPITPNC1retinal degeneration B beta 1

Drugs targeting PITPNC1 would potentially act by blocking its lipid-binding/transfer activity or disrupting its interaction with RAB1B/14-3-3 proteins, thereby suppressing secretion of pro-metastatic factors