Transmembrane protein 161A (TMEM161A)

Transmembrane protein 161A (TMEM161A) is a membrane-associated protein belonging to the TMEM161 family, implicated in the adaptive response to oxidative stress. It influences cellular stress tolerance and DNA damage pathways, notably providing protection against oxidant-induced apoptosis. TMEM161A is expressed in various tissues and particularly implicated in *bone formation*, acting as a suppressor of osteogenic differentiation via regulation of the P38 MAPK pathway. Overexpression reduces osteoblast differentiation and bone mineral deposition, while knockout increases bone strength and thickness in mice. TMEM161A has also been observed as a tumor-associated antigen in non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting some disease relevance, but is not an established therapeutic target.

Other names

TMEM161ATransmembrane protein 161AUNQ582/PRO1152AROS-29FLJ39645FLJ20422Adaptive response to oxidative stress protein 29AROS29

Not applicable; no drugs are known to act directly on TMEM161A. Experimental inhibition with P38 MAPK pathway inhibitors (e.g., SB203580) was used mechanistically in cell studies, but not clinically or as a TMEM161A-directed intervention.