Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1)

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 is a membrane-associated heme-binding protein of the membrane-associated progesterone receptor (MAPR) family, with a single-pass transmembrane domain and a cytosolic cytochrome b5-like domain[1][2][3]. PGRMC1 binds progesterone at a high-affinity site and mediates its non-genomic, anti-apoptotic effects, particularly in granulosa and cancer cells[4]. It regulates multiple cellular processes including modulation of cytochrome P450-dependent synthesis and metabolism, membrane trafficking, lipid biosynthesis, and cellular responses to stress. Functionally, PGRMC1 is critical in cancer cell proliferation, survival, and chemoresistance, in part through heme-dependent dimerization and interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cytochromes P450[1][3]. Overexpression of PGRMC1 is associated with poorer outcomes in several cancers, making it a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target, although its pleiotropic roles and mechanisms remain incompletely understood[2][3][4].

Other names

Membrane-associated progesterone receptor component 1Sigma-2 receptor (context-dependent, may also refer to TMEM97)MAPR (membrane-associated progesterone receptor) family member

Mediates progesterone’s anti-apoptotic action through non-genomic signaling[4]. Modulates cytochrome P450 enzyme stability/activity[2][3]. Facilitates cancer cell survival by dimerizing and interacting with EGFR and cytochromes P450[1][3]. Dimerization dependent on heme binding[1].