Transmembrane protein 74 (TMEM74)

Transmembrane protein 74 (TMEM74) is a conserved protein that contains two transmembrane domains and localizes primarily to lysosomes and autophagosomes. TMEM74 promotes autophagy by interacting with autophagy regulators including ATG16L1 and ATG9A, facilitating autophagosomal membrane elongation and autophagic flux, independently of the canonical BECN1/PI3KC3/ULK1 autophagy initiation complex. TMEM74-driven autophagy exerts a pro-survival effect in tumor cells, particularly under metabolic stress, and its high expression has been associated with shorter survival in cancer patient cohorts, supporting its consideration as a potential therapeutic target in oncology. TMEM74 can also be downregulated via autophagy, suggesting a feedback regulatory loop. No small molecule drugs or biologics directly targeting TMEM74 are approved or in clinical development as of now. Key findings indicate TMEM74 as a positive modulator of autophagy and cell survival, with growing relevance in cancer biology due to its contribution to tumor cell stress resistance and possible use as a prognostic biomarker.

Other names

FLJ30668NET36

No approved drugs; mechanistic studies suggest potential targeting via modulation of autophagy pathways