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Prolactin-induced protein (PIP)
- Target
- PIP
- Molecular classification
- Other (Secreted glycoprotein)
01
Overview
Prolactin-induced protein (PIP) is a 15–17 kDa secreted glycoprotein primarily found in apocrine glands and several mucosal secretions. It is characterized by a unique tertiary structure with β-sheet and β-turn motifs, one N-glycosylation site, and functional domains for binding actin, CD4, and fibronectin[2][3]. PIP binds a variety of proteins, participates in immune functions, and exhibits aspartyl protease activity, which may aid in extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor progression. Its expression is regulated by prolactin and androgens, and it is used clinically as a biomarker in breast cancer (especially to identify apocrine differentiation and as a marker of disseminated tumor cells)[1][2][3]. PIP is not considered a direct therapeutic target, but its role in cancer biology and immune modulation is actively researched.
- Other names
- Gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP-15)Secretory actin-binding protein (SABP)gp17BRST-2GPIP4Extra-parotid glycoprotein (EP-GP)
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable (no direct drug targeting; indirect modulation via hormonal pathways, e.g., androgen receptor and prolactin signaling)
03
Biological functions
Water transport (mainly in apocrine and other secretory glands)Immunomodulation (binds immunoglobulin G, CD4-T cell receptor, potential role in adoptive and innate immunity)Cell cycle regulation (cell cycle progression, especially mitosis, in breast cancer cells)Extracellular matrix remodeling (aspartyl protease activity, fibronectin degradation)Adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics (binds actin, tubulin, influences integrin signaling)
04
Disease associations
Cancer (primarily breast cancer; also found in prostate, sweat, and salivary gland cancers)Infection (binds bacterial species, role in antimicrobial defense)Immune-related diseases (interacts with CD4, may inhibit HIV cell entry)
05
Safety considerations
None specific as a therapeutic target; as a biomarker, no direct safety concerns are reported.
06
Interacting drugs
None currently identified as direct PIP inhibitors or modulators; anti-androgens may influence its expression indirectly in breast cancer subtypes
07
Biomarkers
Diagnosis and subtyping of breast cancer (distinguishing between apocrine, luminal, and other subtypes)Detection of disseminated breast cancer cellsPrognosis in breast cancer (low levels associated with worse chemotherapy response and more aggressive disease)
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