Transmembrane protein 181 (TMEM181)

Transmembrane protein 181 (TMEM181) is a putative G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the TMEM181 gene and primarily localized to the cell surface membrane. TMEM181 is crucial for mediating the toxic effects of cytolethal distending toxins (CDT) produced by numerous pathogenic bacteria; its expression is a rate-limiting factor for cellular intoxication. TMEM181 may also play a role in Wnt signaling activity. Genetic studies associate TMEM181 with infectious diseases, particularly chancroid, and rare growth hormone deficiency. Although structurally a GPCR, TMEM181 is not currently targeted by approved drugs and does not appear to be widely studied in the context of cancer or other chronic diseases.

Other names

GPR178KIAA1423G protein-coupled receptor 178TMEM181

For pathogenic bacteria, drugs or biologics hypothetically targeting TMEM181 would act by blocking the interaction between TMEM181 and cytolethal distending toxins, preventing toxin-mediated cell cycle arrest and DNA damage. No approved therapeutic drugs or investigational small molecules with defined mechanisms of action are listed as targeting TMEM181 in major databases.