Vestigial-like family member 1 (VGLL1)

VGLL1 (Vestigial-like family member 1) is a co-transcriptional activator that binds TEA domain-containing transcription factors (TEADs) via its conserved TONDU motif, modulating the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, invasion, and development. In normal human tissues, VGLL1 is predominantly expressed in placental trophoblast cells, where it supports rapid proliferation and tissue invasion, characteristics also seen in cancer cells. Overexpression of VGLL1 is strongly correlated with poor patient outcomes in cancers such as breast, pancreatic, gastric, and ovarian malignancies. Mechanistically, VGLL1 promotes tumorigenesis by regulating key pathways (e.g., MAPK/PI3K signaling), modulating chromatin structure, and suppressing cell cycle inhibitors. No drugs specifically target VGLL1 yet, but inhibiting its interaction with TEADs represents a potential therapeutic avenue.

Other names

VGLL1Tondu protein

Inhibition of VGLL1-TEAD interaction (proposed strategy for drug development, but no drugs currently in use)