Yip1 interacting factor homolog A, membrane trafficking protein (YIF1A)

Yip1 interacting factor homolog A (YIF1A) is a multi-span transmembrane protein localized primarily to the Golgi apparatus and ER-Golgi intermediate compartment, encoded by the YIF1A gene on chromosome 11. It is a member of the Yip1 domain family (YIPF proteins), which have essential roles across eukaryotes. YIF1A forms complexes with related proteins and functions primarily in ER to Golgi transport, vesicle budding, and fusion, acting in protein trafficking and maintaining Golgi structure. It interacts with COPII vesicle components (Sec23, Sec24), Rab GTPases, and other trafficking regulators. Studies implicate it in cellular stress adaptation (UPR/ER stress), survival pathways in cancer, and neurodegeneration, with specific disease associations including ALS8, Schuurs-Hoeijmakers syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, and certain myopathies. Knockdown results in Golgi fragmentation and trafficking disruption, and it is required for IRE1 and PERK activation in ER stress response pathways. While it is not a present drug target, its central role in cell trafficking and disease makes it a candidate for therapeutic exploration.

Other names

YIF1AYIF1YIF1P54TMFinGER754TMpYip1p-interacting factorYIP1-interacting factor homolog A

Not established for drugs targeting YIF1A; functions are inferred from its biological roles in trafficking, stress response, and potential interaction networks