V-set and transmembrane domain-containing protein 2-like (VSTM2L)

V-set and transmembrane domain-containing protein 2-like (VSTM2L) is an immunoglobulin superfamily domain-containing protein encoded by the VSTM2L gene (previously C20orf102). In the nervous system, VSTM2L is a secreted protein that antagonizes Humanin, a neuroprotective peptide, thereby modulating neuronal viability and apoptosis; this suggests a role in neurodegenerative disease susceptibility[2][6]. In cancer, VSTM2L is mainly localized to mitochondria, where it binds to proteins such as VDAC1 and hexokinase 2, protecting cancer cells (especially prostate and ovarian) against ferroptosis (an iron-dependent form of cell death) and promoting treatment resistance and tumor progression—it may act as an oncogene and a suppressor of cell death in these contexts[1][2][4]. Elevated expression is correlated with resistance to preoperative chemoradiotherapy and poor prognosis in some cancers, while in gastric cancer, expression is context-dependent and potentially prognostic. No drug therapies target VSTM2L directly, but it is investigated as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer and neurodegeneration[2][4][6].

Other names

C20orf102DJ1118M15.2VTM2L_HUMAN

Not drug-targeted as of current knowledge. The protein modulates cell survival/metabolism through protein–protein interactions (e.g., with VDAC1, HK2, Humanin).