Fam114a1, Family with sequence similarity 114 member A1, is involved in multiple biological functions. It has been linked to pathways such as angiotensin II signaling, and is of importance in various biological processes and diseases [1]. Genetic models, like KO mouse models, have been valuable in studying its role.

In KO mouse models, homozygous KO of Fam114a1 reduces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis, while restoring cardiac function in angiotensin II-induced and MI-induced heart failure mouse models. This indicates its role in regulating angiotensin II signaling, activating cardiac fibroblasts and other cardiac cells, and augmenting pathological cardiac remodeling [1]. In melanocytes, inhibition of Fam114a1 increases proliferation, migration, and melanin synthesis proteins, and decreases apoptosis, through negatively regulating RACK1 [2]. In hepatocellular carcinoma cells, suppression of Fam114a1 reduces cell proliferation and migration by modulating AKT1, promotes apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle, and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [3].

In summary, Fam114a1 plays diverse roles in different biological processes. Its study using KO mouse models has provided insights into its functions in cardiac pathological remodeling, melanocyte function, and hepatocellular carcinoma development, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in related diseases [1-3].

References:

1. Subbaiah, Kadiam C Venkata, Wu, Jiangbin, Tang, Wai Hong Wilson, Yao, Peng. 2022. FAM114A1 influences cardiac pathological remodeling by regulating angiotensin II signaling. In JCI insight, 7, . doi:10.1172/jci.insight.152783. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35671117/

2. Zhou, Miaoni, Lin, Fuquan, Wu, Xingang, Jin, Rong, Xu, Aie. 2021. Inhibition of Fam114A1 protects melanocytes from apoptosis through higher RACK1 expression. In Aging, 13, 24740-24752. doi:10.18632/aging.203712. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34837888/

3. Zhang, Haifeng, Zeng, Yu, Ye, Chihua, Cai, Jianwu, Hu, Xiao. . Inhibition of FAM114A1 Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting AKT1 Signaling. In Annals of clinical and laboratory science, 54, 378-387. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39048162/