Testis expressed 261 (TEX261)

Testis expressed 261 (TEX261) is a protein-coding gene expressed predominantly in the testis and also found in other tissues at lower levels. TEX261 is functionally associated with coat protein II (COPII) vesicle formation, mediating protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. TEX261 shows homology to steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein but is a distinct gene and protein. Its expression is developmentally regulated in the testis, particularly in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells. TEX261 plays a role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis, especially in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and its dysregulation is implicated in pulmonary artery hypertension by promoting or reversing abnormal vascular remodeling. While TEX261's exact signaling and clinical relevance are under investigation, it represents a potential therapeutic and preventive target, especially in PAH. No drugs directly target TEX261 as of now, and clinical data is lacking regarding its safety profile as a therapeutic target.

Other names

TEX261protein TEX261UNQ1882/PRO4325MGC32043TEG-261testis expressed sequence 261

Not established for direct pharmacological targeting; as per experimental studies, overexpression or silencing of TEX261 can modulate PASMC proliferation and pulmonary artery remodeling in preclinical models