Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 18 (TM4SF18)

Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 18 (TM4SF18) is a human cell surface protein belonging to the L6 family, characterized by four predicted transmembrane domains but not classically classified as a tetraspanin[1][2][4]. It is strongly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor cells, normal pancreatic acinar cells, and is upregulated in preneoplastic and neoplastic ducts, as well as in gastric cancer and numerous other cancer types[1][2]. TM4SF18 regulates cell growth and proliferation, and has functional roles in tumorigenesis, including participation in processes such as cell adhesion and EMT[1][2]. Unlike some other L6 family members, TM4SF18 does not significantly regulate cell migration in at least pancreatic cancer models[1]. Its increased expression in cancer suggests utility as a biomarker for tumor presence and prognosis, and it is under investigation as a therapeutic target, but there are currently no drugs directly targeting the molecule and limited data on clinical or preclinical safety[1][2]. TM4SF18 is not present in standard rodent models like mice and rats, constraining certain types of mechanistic and safety research[1]. **Note:** There are no established drugs or mechanisms of action for TM4SF18, and no specific safety signals are reported. Most functional and disease association data come from studies of cancer tissue expression and in vitro or cell-based knockdown models.

Other names

L6DTM4SF18transmembrane 4 L six family member 18Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 18L6 family member 18