Vang-like protein 1 (VANGL1) (VANGL1)

Vang-like protein 1 (VANGL1), commonly known as KITENIN (KAI1 C-terminal interacting tetraspanin), is a four-transmembrane protein that plays a critical role in the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway (UniProt Q8TAA9). It was originally identified through its interaction with the metastasis suppressor KAI1 (CD82), where it was found to promote tumor invasion and metastasis by counteracting KAI1 activity (Lee et al., 2005). KITENIN functions by forming signaling complexes with proteins such as Dishevelled (Dvl) and ErbB4, which activate downstream pathways like JNK and AP-1 to enhance cell motility and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (Bae et al., 2016). In clinical contexts, high expression of KITENIN mRNA and protein is strongly associated with advanced progression and poor prognosis in various malignancies, including colorectal and gastric cancers (Park et al., 2014). Therapeutic development targeting KITENIN focuses on small molecule inhibitors like K-15, which disrupts its oncogenic protein-protein interactions, as well as RNA-based strategies to suppress its expression. However, because VANGL1 is essential for embryonic development and tissue organization, targeting this molecule requires careful consideration of potential developmental and homeostatic safety concerns (Wikipedia).

Other names

KITENINKAI1 C-terminal interacting tetraspaninVan Gogh-like protein 1STB2LPP1

Inhibition of KITENIN-mediated signaling complexes (e.g., KITENIN/ErbB4/Dvl) and suppression of mRNA expression to prevent tumor metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.