Iqcf5, a member of the IQ motif-containing family, is likely involved in cellular functions related to the domains conferred by its IQ motifs, which often interact with calmodulin-like proteins. However, its exact function, associated pathways, and overall biological importance are yet to be fully elucidated, but genetic models could be valuable for in-depth functional studies.

In a study comparing prostate cancer genomics among different ancestries [1], the somatic amplification of Iqcf5 was more frequent in prostate tumors arising in men of Middle Eastern (ME) ancestry compared to European (EUR) ancestry (two-sided proportion test; Q < 0.05). This finding suggests that Iqcf5 may play a role in the genomic landscape of prostate cancer in ME populations.

In conclusion, while the precise biological functions of Iqcf5 are still being explored, its differential amplification in ME prostate cancer tumors indicates a potential role in this disease area. Further research using gene knockout (KO) or conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models could help uncover its exact functions and how its amplification contributes to prostate cancer in ME-ancestry men. [1]

References:

1. Albawardi, Alia, Livingstone, Julie, Almarzooqi, Saeeda, Boutros, Paul C, Bismar, Tarek A. 2021. Copy Number Profiles of Prostate Cancer in Men of Middle Eastern Ancestry. In Cancers, 13, . doi:10.3390/cancers13102363. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34068856/