FATE1

Description

The FATE1 (fetal and adult testis expressed 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome X.

FATE1, encoded by the FATE1 gene in humans, is a protein identified as a cancer-testis antigen (CTA) in hepatocellular carcinomas, gastric and colon cancers. It is testis-specific in the fetus (aged 6 – 11 weeks). In adults, it is expressed predominantly in the testis and adrenal glands, with some expression in the lungs, heart, kidneys and throughout the brain. FATE1 is a member of the Miff protein family, with its C-terminal domain, consisting of a transmembrane domain with a coiled-coil domain, showing high similarity to the mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) protein which is involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission. The FATE1 gene in humans is located on the long arm of the X chromosome at region 28, from base pair 150,884,502 to base pair 150,891,617. FATE1 is hypothesized to use its C-terminal transmembrane domain to attach to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and with its C-terminal coiled-coil domain it interacts with mitochondria. FATE1 is localized in mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAM) and modulates ER-mitochondria distance to regulate Ca2+- and drug dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. FATE1 expression leads to reduction of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria and therefore decrease in fragmentation of mitochondria, associated with mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, consequently providing protection against cell death. FATE1 is detectable in all cell lines derived from tumors, but is low or undetectable in telomere immortalized, non-tumorigenic fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells. FATE1 is suggested to be essential for survival of tumor cells as depletion of FATE1 results in viability reduction in melanoma, breast, prostate and sarcoma settings.

FATE1 regulates the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, reducing the distance between them and limiting the transfer of calcium ions from the ER to the mitochondria. This suggests a role in regulating apoptosis (programmed cell death). FATE1 may also cooperate with the protein RNF183 to control levels of the BIK protein, thereby influencing apoptotic signaling.

FATE1 is also known as CT43, FATE.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing