Ropporin-1 (ROPN1)

Ropporin-1 (ROPN1) is a specialized protein primarily expressed in the testis, where it plays a vital role in sperm flagellar motility and the organization of the sperm tail's fibrous sheath [1, 2]. It functions as a Rho-binding protein and interacts with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), contributing to the regulation of cAMP-dependent signaling pathways essential for sperm movement [2, 3]. In clinical contexts, ROPN1 is recognized as a cancer-testis antigen (CTA), showing significant overexpression in hematologic malignancies like multiple myeloma and various solid tumors, while being absent in normal non-testicular tissues [4]. This restricted expression profile identifies ROPN1 as a promising therapeutic target for immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines and CAR-T cell developments [4, 5]. While no small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies are currently approved for ROPN1, its role in male fertility also suggests it as a potential target for diagnosing or treating certain types of asthenozoospermia [1, 3]. Sources: [1] UniProt (Q9HAW3); [2] Fujita A, et al. (2000) J Cell Sci; [3] Carr DW, et al. (2001) Biol Reprod; [4] Atanackovic D, et al. (2007) Blood; [5] Chiriva-Internati M, et al. (2008) Cancer Law.

Other names

Ropporin-1AROPN1RopporinCancer-testis antigen 91CT91

Antigenic target for immunotherapy (CAR-T, TCR-T, or cancer vaccines)