ELAPOR1, also known as KIAA1324, is an evolutionarily conserved protein containing a mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) domain. It is a target of the transcription factor MIST1 and is specifically expressed in zymogenic cells. ELAPOR1 plays a crucial role in secretory granule maturation, and is also involved in regulating apoptosis, autophagy, and may be associated with some signaling pathways related to cell growth and cancer development [1]. Gene knockout mouse models (Elapor1-/-) are valuable tools for studying its in-vivo functions [1].

In Elapor1-/-zymogenic cells, secretory granule maturation is defective, indicating its essential role in this process [1]. In cancer research, high ELAPOR1 levels are associated with favorable disease-free survival and overall survival in colorectal cancer, and its overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in vitro [2]. In pancreatic cancer, diminished ELAPOR1 expression is linked to high histological grade, advanced disease stage, and reduced patient survival, while its transgene expression inhibits cell migration and invasion and induces characteristics of the classical/progenitor subtype [3].

In conclusion, ELAPOR1 is essential for secretory granule maturation. Its study using knockout mouse models has provided insights into its role in cancer, such as colorectal and pancreatic cancer, suggesting it may serve as a prognostic indicator and a potential target for treatment in these diseases.