Reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1)

Reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial inner membrane protein with dual functions as a modulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and as a viroporin-like non-selective ion channel. ROMO1 consists of 79 amino acids, integrates into the inner mitochondrial membrane, and forms homo-oligomeric channels involved in ion homeostasis. It plays a key role in mitochondrial dynamics, facilitating mitochondrial fusion and cristae formation. ROMO1-derived ROS are essential for cell cycle progression, cellular proliferation, and normal redox signaling, but excess activity leads to cellular stress, apoptosis, and is associated with various disease states including cancer, where it may contribute to tumor progression, recurrence, and therapy resistance. ROMO1 is evolutionarily conserved and serves as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for cancer and other oxidative stress–related diseases.

Other names

C20orf52ROS modulator 1MTGMbA353C18.2MTGMPEpididymis tissue protein Li 175GlyrichinMitochondrial targeting GxxxG motif proteinProtein MGR2 homologPCM19Mitochondrial targeting GXXXG protein

Inhibition of non-selective cation channel activity (e.g., by HMA); Modulation of ROS-dependent signaling pathways.