Transmembrane protein 79 (TMEM79)

Transmembrane protein 79 (TMEM79, Mattrin) is a multi-pass membrane protein important for the regulation of Wnt/Frizzled (FZD) signaling at the endoplasmic reticulum. TMEM79 antagonizes Wnt signaling by interacting with FZD receptors during biogenesis, promoting their ubiquitination and lysosomal degradation through inhibition of USP8, and ensuring stringent control of FZD protein levels. This protein is crucial for neural development (in animal models), epithelial cell maturation, and formation of the skin barrier through the lamellar granule secretory system. TMEM79 functions independently of other FZD regulatory pathways and is expressed broadly, but is particularly relevant in the skin and during embryogenesis. Genetic variants in TMEM79 are associated with predisposition to atopic dermatitis and may play roles in other inflammatory and skin-related diseases. TMEM79 is not currently an established drug target, but mechanistic insights suggest it is a potential therapeutic target in inflammation, skin barrier disorders, or diseases involving deregulated Wnt signaling.

Other names

TMEM79MattrinMATTMGC13102FLJ16057FLJ32254mattrin

None established for drugs. Experimental evidence suggests TMEM79 could be a target for small molecules that modulate Wnt/FZD pathway or skin barrier function, but no drugs with defined mechanisms of action exist.