MCEMP1, also known as C19ORF59, is a mast cell-expressed membrane protein. In lung mast cells, it functions as an adaptor for KIT, promoting SCF-mediated mast cell proliferation through its cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif and enhancing KIT autophosphorylation and activation [1]. It may also be involved in immune-related signaling pathways, as indicated by its association with various diseases related to immune responses [2,7].

In mouse models, Mcemp1 -deficient mice exhibit reduced airway inflammation and lung impairment in chronic asthma models, demonstrating that MCEMP1 is crucial for SCF-induced peritoneal mast cell proliferation in vitro and lung mast cell expansion in vivo [1]. In other diseases, such as advanced gastric cancer, high MCEMP1 expression is related to poor survival and is correlated with immune infiltration, potentially affecting prognosis by regulating immune cell function [2]. In septic shock, MCEMP1 is one of six hub genes identified as potential diagnostic markers [3]. In lung adenocarcinoma, low MCEMP1 expression promotes tumor progression [4]. In coronary artery disease, MCEMP1 may play an important role as it is associated with immune cell infiltration, and knockdown of MCEMP1 in HUVECs affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory factor expression [5]. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, MCEMP1 is highly expressed in classical monocytes and alveolar macrophages, regulated by TGFβ, and participates in cell chemotaxis, adhesion, and migration [6,8].

In conclusion, MCEMP1 is a significant gene involved in mast cell-related functions and immune-related signaling. Its role in various disease conditions, as revealed by studies including those using mouse models, highlights its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in diseases such as asthma, cancer, septic shock, coronary artery disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.