ERCC4: A Protein Involved in ER-Cytoplasmic Transport and Drug Target

Target Name: ERCC4

NCBI ID: G2072

ERCC4: A Protein Involved in ER-Cytoplasmic Transport and Drug Target

ERCC4 (endoplasmic reticulum-associated coefficient protein 4) is a protein that is expressed in most tissues of the body and plays a critical role in the transport of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytoplasm. It is a small protein that has four amino acid residues and is made up of 25% amino acids.

One of the unique features of ERCC4 is its ability to interact with other proteins that are involved in the ER-cytoplasmic transport system. This interaction allows ERCC4 to regulate the transport of proteins to the cytoplasm and to play a role in the quality control of the proteins that are being transported.

Research has shown that ERCC4 can interact with several different proteins, including the transmembrane protein TRPV4 and the cytoplasmic protein TCP1. These interactions can alter the structure and function of both ERCC4 and its interacting proteins.

One of the potential drug targets for ERCC4 is the use of small molecules that can modulate its interaction with TRPV4 and TCP1. This could lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Another potential application of ERCC4 is as a biomarker for certain diseases. The ER-cytoplasmic transport system is a critical pathway for the delivery of proteins to the cytoplasm, and changes in the levels or activity of ERCC4 could be an indicator of certain diseases. For example, decreased levels of ERCC4 have been observed in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and increased activity of ERCC4 has been detected in the blood samples of individuals with certain types of cancer.

In addition to its potential drug and biomarker applications, ERCC4 is also of interest as a potential target for small molecules that can modulate its interaction with TRPV4 and TCP1. Research has shown that small molecules that can bind to the interface between ERCC4 and TRPV4 can inhibit the activity of TRPV4 and modulate the structure and function of ERCC4. Similarly, small molecules that can bind to the interface between ERCC4 and TCP1 can also modify the activity of TCP1.

While more research is needed to fully understand the role of ERCC4 in the ER-cytoplasmic transport system and its potential as a drug target and biomarker, its interaction with TRPV4 and TCP1 suggests that it may play an important role in the regulation of protein transport from the ER to the cytoplasm. Further studies are needed to determine the full extent of its role and the best way to harness its potential for new treatments and diagnostics.

Protein Name: ERCC Excision Repair 4, Endonuclease Catalytic Subunit

Functions: Catalytic component of a structure-specific DNA repair endonuclease responsible for the 5-prime incision during DNA repair, and which is essential for nucleotide excision repair (NER) and interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair

More Common Targets