Lung cancer-associated serum protein 1 (LASEP1)

Lung cancer-associated serum protein 1 (LASEP1), also known as RHEX or C1orf186, is a secreted protein that acts as a growth factor in lung cancer cells. It is frequently overexpressed in both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), where its high expression levels are significantly associated with poor patient prognosis and independent prognostic value. LASEP1 exerts its biological effects by interacting with a specific 50-kDa receptor (LASEPR) on the surface of cancer cells, promoting cell growth and mobility in an autocrine manner. Furthermore, LASEP1 has been shown to regulate the expression of WHSC1 (NSD2), an oncogenic histone methyltransferase, which contributes to its tumor-promoting activity. Due to its presence in the serum of lung cancer patients and its critical role in tumor progression, LASEP1 is considered both a promising serological biomarker for early detection and a potential therapeutic target. Experimental treatments using anti-LASEP1 monoclonal antibodies or siRNAs have demonstrated significant suppression of tumor growth in preclinical models without notable adverse events.

Other names

LASEP1C1orf186RHEXRegulator of hemoglobinization and erythroid cell expansion protein

Inhibition of LASEP1-LASEPR interaction to suppress autocrine growth signaling and downstream oncogenic pathways such as WHSC1 regulation.