TMEM252, encoding a transmembrane protein, has been associated with multiple biological processes and diseases. Its functions are likely to be explored further through genetic models. However, no common aliases are mentioned in the provided references. While its exact essential function remains to be comprehensively defined, it has been implicated in pathways such as the Notch pathway [1].

In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), TMEM252 expression was diminished in tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of TMEM252 suppressed cell proliferation by reducing p53, p21, and p16 expression, and also inhibited cell migration and invasion by impeding the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the Notch pathway. In vivo, TMEM252 overexpression suppressed tumor growth [1]. Additionally, TMEM252 was identified as one of the shared 6 candidate gene signatures between COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI), with the model constructed by these 6 gene signatures having high predictive efficacy in both cohorts [2]. It was also found to have increased gene expression in early-stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease [3].

In summary, TMEM252 appears to play a role in cancer progression, as seen in PTC, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated AKI and Parkinson's disease. Studies, especially those on its overexpression in PTC, contribute to understanding its role in disease conditions, potentially guiding the development of therapeutic strategies for these diseases [1,2,3].

References:

1. Zhang, Shuyong, Xie, Rong, Wang, Liuhuan, Zhang, Yang, Yu, Jichun. 2024. TMEM252 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression in papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating Notch1 expression. In Head & neck, 47, 324-338. doi:10.1002/hed.27922. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39152570/

2. Zhou, Xue, Wang, Ning, Liu, Wenjing, Yang, Guoyue, Yu, Hongzhi. 2023. Identification of the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute kidney injury based on the shared gene signatures and regulatory network. In BMC infectious diseases, 23, 655. doi:10.1186/s12879-023-08638-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37789254/

3. Whittle, Benjamin J, Izuogu, Osagie G, Lowes, Hannah, Santibanez-Koref, Mauro, Hudson, Gavin. 2024. Early-stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease is associated with reduced circular RNA expression. In NPJ Parkinson's disease, 10, 25. doi:10.1038/s41531-024-00636-y. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38245550/