TMEM18
Description
The TMEM18 (transmembrane protein 18) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
TMEM18, also known as Transmembrane protein 18, is a protein encoded by the TMEM18 gene in humans. It influences energy levels through insulin and glucagon signaling, and its downregulation in flies resembles type-II diabetes. Overexpression of TMEM18 promotes neural stem cell migration, while its inactivation significantly reduces this activity. TMEM18 is widely expressed in both mammalian and fly tissues, suggesting a fundamental cellular function. In the mouse brain, it is present in most cells, with higher abundance in neurons. Genetic variations near the TMEM18 gene are associated with obesity, insulin levels, and blood sugar levels. The gene has a long evolutionary history, being found in both plants and animals, and its amino acid sequence is highly conserved, indicating its functional importance since the divergence of humans and plants. While not essential for eukaryotic organisms, the gene appears to be selectively maintained without duplication, suggesting its specific role in cellular processes.
TMEM18 is also known as lncND.
