Transmembrane protein 108 (TMEM108)

Transmembrane protein 108 (TMEM108, Retrolinkin, KIAA1690, cancer/testis antigen 124) is an integral membrane protein expressed in the nervous system and testis. In the brain, TMEM108 regulates the organization of microtubules for axonal transport, modulates oligodendrocyte proliferation, and myelination in the corpus callosum, and is necessary for proper neuron circuit development, synaptic transmission, and cognitive functions[1][3]. Experimental models show that TMEM108 deficiency leads to abnormal myelination, increased susceptibility to mania-like behaviors, drug-induced epilepsy, and altered expression of neuronal and myelination markers (e.g., MBP)[1]. As a cancer/testis antigen, it is expressed in cancer and testis but rarely in other normal tissues, making it relevant for cancer immunotherapy research[2][4]. There are no specific drugs directly targeting TMEM108, and its functional complexity relates to involvement in Wnt signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and both neurodevelopmental and oncogenic processes[1][3][4].

Other names

KIAA1690RTLNcancer/testis antigen 124CT124RetrolinkinUNQ1875/PRO4318MGC3040

For experimental strategies (e.g., RNAi knockdown), mechanisms would include inhibition of TMEM108 function affecting myelination, axonal transport, and potentially cancer cell survival and proliferation. No clinical drugs with defined MoA are reported.