Fam117b, with no common aliases specified in the references, seems to be involved in multiple biological processes. It has been associated with the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway [1]. In the context of gastric cancer, it plays a role in promoting cancer cell growth and reducing sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs [1]. Its function might also be related to the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel diseases and lacunar stroke, potentially through influencing genes in related pathways [2,3].

In gastric cancer, Fam117b promotes growth and drug resistance. Mechanistically, it competes with NRF2 for KEAP1 binding, reducing NRF2 ubiquitination degradation and activating the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway. The growth and chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells induced by Fam117b are NRF2-dependent. Also, high expression of Fam117b and NRF2 in gastric cancer patient tumor tissues is an independent factor for poor prognosis [1]. Additionally, in studies related to lacunar stroke and cerebral small vessel disease, the expression of Fam117b was found to be associated with these conditions, suggesting its potential role in their pathogenesis [2,3].

In conclusion, Fam117b is involved in promoting gastric cancer growth and drug resistance through the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway [1]. Its associations with lacunar stroke and cerebral small vessel disease also indicate its importance in cerebrovascular-related biological processes. Understanding Fam117b's functions provides insights into the mechanisms of these diseases, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for gastric cancer and cerebrovascular diseases.

References:

1. Zhou, Yunjiang, Chen, Yaxin, Shi, Yongwei, Xia, Jiazeng, Hu, Rong. 2023. FAM117B promotes gastric cancer growth and drug resistance by targeting the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway. In The Journal of clinical investigation, 133, . doi:10.1172/JCI158705. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36719368/

2. Traylor, Matthew, Persyn, Elodie, Tomppo, Liisa, Lewis, Cathryn M, Markus, Hugh S. 2021. Genetic basis of lacunar stroke: a pooled analysis of individual patient data and genome-wide association studies. In The Lancet. Neurology, 20, 351-361. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00031-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773637/

3. Chung, Jaeyoon, Marini, Sandro, Pera, Joanna, Rosand, Jonathan, Anderson, Christopher D. . Genome-wide association study of cerebral small vessel disease reveals established and novel loci. In Brain : a journal of neurology, 142, 3176-3189. doi:10.1093/brain/awz233. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31430377/