Transmembrane protein 205 (TMEM205)

Transmembrane protein 205 (TMEM205) is a multi-pass transmembrane protein found in the plasma membrane and is especially expressed in secretory tissues and in various carcinomas. TMEM205 contains four predicted transmembrane helices and functions as a metal/transporter protein, directly mediating the extrusion of platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells. It also plays roles in modulating tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, EMT, and immune cell polarization, particularly promoting polarization of tumor-associated macrophages to the M2 phenotype and affecting infiltration of immunosuppressive cells. TMEM205 expression correlates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis in cancers such as gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent structural studies show a four-helix bundle with a hydrophilic tunnel, corroborating its role as a transporter.

Other names

TMEM205UNQ501PRO1018MBC3205transmembrane protein 205UNQ501/PRO1018

Drugs such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin are extruded from cancer cells via TMEM205, conferring resistance to these drugs. TMEM205 may transport Pt(II) ions across the membrane through a mechanism involving four transmembrane helices and specific cysteine/methionine residues.