EPB41L5

The protein encoded by EPB41L5 is Erythrocyte Membrane Protein Band 4.1 Like 5, commonly known as YMO1. As a member of the Band 4.1 family, it mediates cytoskeleton-membrane interactions, regulating cell polarity, migration, and tight junction integrity. It interacts with key components of the Hippo signaling pathway, modulating YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity to control cell proliferation and tissue homeostasis.
Dysregulation of EPB41L5 is associated with cancers like breast and lung cancer, where its downregulation disrupts cell polarity and promotes metastasis. Currently, no targeted drugs are approved for EPB41L5-related disorders, but preclinical studies are investigating strategies to target its interaction partners or restore its expression to inhibit tumor progression.