Run and cysteine-rich domain-containing Beclin-1-interacting protein-like (RUBCNL)

Run and cysteine-rich domain-containing Beclin-1-interacting protein-like (RUBCNL, also known as PACER and other aliases) is an autophagy regulator protein that facilitates autophagosome maturation and autolysosome formation by antagonizing Rubicon (RUBCN), thereby promoting autophagic flux. It exerts dual roles by positively regulating autophagy while also protecting against TNF-induced apoptosis and necroptosis through repression of the RIPK1 kinase signaling pathway, independently of its autophagy-associated functions. It is expressed at low levels in some cancers and altered in neurodegenerative conditions (notably ALS), where both deficiency and overexpression can disrupt neuronal viability and protein aggregate clearance. RUBCNL belongs to the RUBCN (Rubicon) protein family and interacts with components of the autophagy machinery (e.g., beclin 1, PI3K/PI3KC3 complex, autophagosomal SNAREs) at the molecular level. It is not currently a direct drug target, but its regulatory roles in autophagy and cell death pathways make it a potential candidate for future translational therapeutics in cell therapy, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

Other names

Protein associated with UVRAG as autophagy enhancerPACERC13orf18KIAA0226LFLJ21562protein Rubicon-likerubicon like autophagy regulatorKIAA0226 likeprotein RUBCNL-like

No clinically validated drugs or tool compounds, so no mechanisms of action for targeted drugs can be listed.