LHFPL7: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Tetraspan Subfamily Members

Target Name: LHFPL7

NCBI ID: G255349

LHFPL7: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Tetraspan Subfamily Members

Introduction

The tetraspan subfamily is a family of sphingomyelin synthases that are involved in the biosynthesis of cell membranes, important lipid components鈥攑hosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PIP). In humans, LHFPL7, a member of this family, plays a crucial role in cell membranes. However, LHFPL7 plays multiple biological functions in regulating the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. In recent years, research on LHFPL7 has gradually increased, and it is expected to become a new class of drug target. This article will review the structure, function, drug targets and other aspects of LHFPL7 in order to provide useful reference for related research.

1. Structure of LHFPL7

LHFPL7 is a protein with a molecular weight of 29.9 kDa and belongs to the LHFPL family. This family also includes LHFPL6 and LHFPL8, coded as SMIPL6 and SMIPL8, respectively. LHFPL7 is composed of 114 amino acids, including 10 conserved helical structures, 2 antiparallel 尾-sheets, and 2 hydrophobic 伪-helices. The secondary structure of LHFPL7 mainly consists of three subdomains: an 伪-helix, a 尾-sheet, and a transmembrane region (Figure 1).

Figure 1 LHFPL7 secondary structure

2. Functions of LHFPL7

1. Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis

Phosphatidylcholine is an important component of cell membranes and is responsible for cell membrane fluidity, signal transmission and other functions. During the biosynthesis process, LHFPL7 catalyzes the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxyphospholipid (DHPC), the precursor molecule of phosphatidylcholine, into phosphatidylcholine. This process not only occurs in the cytoplasm, but also involves transport and modification of the cell membrane. During the biosynthesis process, LHFPL7 ensures the efficiency and specificity of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis through the actions of multiple structural domains.

2. Phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis

Phosphatidylinositol is another important component of the cell membrane and participates in cell membrane signal transduction, calcium ion storage and other functions. During the biosynthesis process, LHFPL7 is also responsible for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydroxyphospholipid (DHPL), the precursor molecule of phosphatidylinositol. This process also occurs in the cytoplasm, followed by transport and modification through the cell membrane to produce phosphatidylinositol. The role of LHFPL7 in phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis contributes to the regulation of cell membrane signal transduction, cell proliferation and other life activities.

3. Transmembrane region

The transmembrane region is located at the N-terminus of LHFPL7. This region contains multiple domains with biological functions, such as a special Glu-215 residue, which can bind small molecules such as GABA (纬-aminobutyric acid), thus affecting the biological activity of LHFPL7. In addition, the transmembrane region also has a conserved secondary structure, which provides a stable basis for ligand binding and signaling of LHFPL7.

3. Drug targets of LHFPL7

1. GABA receptor

GABA receptors are widely distributed on the cell membrane and play an important role in cell membrane fluidity, nerve signal transmission and other processes. The transmembrane region of LHFPL7 has Glu-215 residues, which can bind to GABA receptors and thus affect the function of GABA receptors. This effect provides a new target for future GABA receptor intervention.

2.

Protein Name: LHFPL Tetraspan Subfamily Member 7

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