Sorting nexin-16 (SNX16)

Sorting nexin-16 (SNX16) is a member of the sorting nexin family, characterized by a central phosphoinositide-binding (PX) domain and a C-terminal coiled-coil region, which mediate membrane association and protein oligomerization. SNX16 localizes to early and late endosomal compartments and regulates the trafficking and sorting of internalized proteins, influencing segregation, recycling, and degradation (particularly of EGF receptor and E-cadherin). It modulates intracellular vesicle formation, cholesterol transport, and tetraspanin CD81 trafficking. Functional studies have implicated SNX16 in the inhibition of cell migration and promotion or inhibition of tumorigenesis, depending on cellular context. SNX16 is upregulated in several cancers (e.g., colorectal, hepatocellular, bladder) and in pre-eclampsia, often acting via modulation of key signaling pathways such as EGFR–AKT and c-Myc. Its presence, function, or deregulation has potential biomarker and therapeutic relevance, though no approved drugs directly target SNX16 at this time.

Other names

SNX16Sorting nexin 16Sorting nexin-16SNX16_HUMANHGNC:14980NCBI Gene:64089UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: P57768ENSG00000104497OMIM:614903

For agents affecting SNX16 expression or function (experimental): Modulation of endosomal trafficking, Influencing EGFR–AKT signaling (impacts cell proliferation/invasion), Impacting cholesterol and protein sorting pathways. For disease: SNX16 inhibits ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of eEF1A2, activating c-Myc signaling in colorectal cancer.