Transmembrane protein 106A (TMEM106A)

Transmembrane protein 106A (TMEM106A) is a type II transmembrane protein encoded by the TMEM106A gene located on chromosome 17q21.31 in humans[1][2][4]. The protein is approximately 28.9 kDa in size and has 262 amino acids with a single transmembrane region and a large extracellular domain[1][2]. TMEM106A is constitutively expressed on the plasma membrane of macrophages and is implicated in the polarization of macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory (M1) state through activation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways[2][3][4]. It functions as an interferon-stimulated gene with antiviral properties, particularly by inhibiting the binding and infection of certain viruses such as Enterovirus A71 and Coxsackievirus A16, via steric hindrance at the SCARB2 receptor[2]. Beyond its antiviral roles, TMEM106A has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene with reduced expression in some cancers, such as gastric cancer[2][3]. It is highly conserved among mammals, suggesting a fundamental biological role[2][3].

Other names

MGC20235TMEM106A