Ss18l1, also known as CREST or KIAA0693, encodes the calcium-responsive transactivator and/or neuronal chromatin remodeling complex subunit. It is thought to act as a transcriptional co-activator, potentially through interactions with various proteins involved in (epigenetic) gene regulation, similar to its paralog SS18 [4].

In Schwann cells, depletion of SS18L1 by siRNA enhanced cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration. Also, it inhibited Schwann cell differentiation induced by HRG and cAMP. Bioinformatics analyses revealed an interaction network including DF2, SMARCD1, SMARCA4, and SMARCE1, which may be related to its regulatory functions in Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation [1].

In the context of ALS, certain variants in SS18L1 were identified in patients, suggesting its possible contribution to the disease [3]. A novel MEF2C::SS18L1 fusion gene was found in a child with B-ALL, and its carcinogenicity was predicted [2]. In synovial sarcoma, a novel SS18L1/SSX1 fusion transcript was detected, highlighting genetic heterogeneity in this tumor type [5].

In summary, SS18L1 plays important roles in regulating Schwann cell biological functions. Its variants may be associated with ALS, and fusion genes involving it are found in B-ALL and synovial sarcoma. Studies on SS18L1, especially through loss-of-function experiments like siRNA-mediated depletion, contribute to understanding its functions in peripheral nerve injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers.