Trinucleotide repeat containing 18 (TNRC18)

Trinucleotide repeat containing 18 (TNRC18) is a large (approximately 2,968 amino acids) chromatin-associated protein with a C-terminal BAH domain that functions as a selective reader of the H3K9me3 histone modification, a mark associated with transcriptionally repressed chromatin. TNRC18 binds H3K9me3 and works together with co-repressors such as HDAC2, TRIM28, SETDB1, and the Sin3 complex to repress the expression of endogenous retrovirus families (notably ERV1/LTR12/LTR7), thereby helping maintain silenced chromatin states and genomic integrity. It is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, with highest expression seen in brain, endocrine tissue, and muscle. Loss or mutation of TNRC18 leads to derepression of endogenous retroviruses and activation of immune-related genes, but direct involvement in particular diseases is not established. There are currently no drugs known to target TNRC18, and it is not considered a current therapeutic target, biomarker, or prominent safety concern.

Other names

KIAA1856CAGL79TNRC18ATrinucleotide repeat-containing gene 18 proteinLong CAG trinucleotide repeat-containing gene 79 protein