TMF1
TMF1 Gene: Unraveling a Complex World of Health and Disease
Description
The TMF1 gene, located on chromosome 12, plays a crucial role in regulating the production of a protein known as transmembrane factor 1 (TMF1). TMF1 is a membrane-bound protein that is primarily found in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. It is involved in various cellular processes, including cell signaling, transcription, and metabolism.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of the TMF1 gene has been linked to several diseases, including:
- Thyroid cancer: Mutations in the TMF1 gene are the second most common genetic alteration in thyroid cancer, occurring in approximately 8% of cases. These mutations often lead to reduced expression of TMF1 and are associated with more aggressive tumor behavior.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): TMF1 expression is often decreased in HCC, the most common type of liver cancer. Low TMF1 levels are associated with worse prognosis and shorter survival in HCC patients.
- Gastric cancer: Loss of TMF1 expression has been observed in gastric cancer and is implicated in promoting tumor growth and invasion.
- Colorectal cancer: TMF1 mutations have been linked to a specific type of colorectal cancer known as BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, which is characterized by a mutated BRAF gene.
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in 2022, mutations in the TMF1 gene are found in approximately 10% of all cases of thyroid cancer, making it a significant genetic risk factor for this type of cancer.
