Sorting nexin-21 (SNX21)

Sorting nexin-21 (SNX21) is a member of the sorting nexin family of proteins, which are characterized by the presence of a phox (PX) domain that binds phosphoinositides and enables association with endosomal membranes[3][1][5]. SNX21 is classified as a PX-associated B (PXB) domain-containing sorting nexin, forming the SNX-PXB subgroup along with SNX20[1]. Unlike some other sorting nexins, SNX21 lacks a coiled-coil region and is primarily thought to act as a scaffold on endosomal membranes, facilitating the recruitment and assembly of specific protein complexes[1][3]. SNX21 can interact with notable partners such as huntingtin (implicated in Huntington's disease) and septins (involved in cytoskeletal dynamics), suggesting a role in organizing endosomal protein assemblies important for intracellular trafficking[1]. While SNX21 is not directly recognized as a therapeutic target, its molecular function is fundamental in endosomal biology, and its protein-protein interactions may have relevance to cellular processes that, when dysfunctional, are implicated in disease[1][3][5]. Known aliases include C20orf161, SNXL, SNX-L, dJ337O18.4, and Sorting nexin L[5].

Other names

C20orf161SNXLSNX-LdJ337O18.4Sorting nexin LPP3993

Not applicable (no drugs known to target SNX21 directly)