C10orf92 Inhibitors

Cilia and flagella associated protein 46 (CFAP46) is a protein that, as its name suggests, is implicated in the structure and function of cilia and flagella. These are hair-like organelles protruding from the surface of many eukaryotic cells. Cilia are typically involved in cell movement or in the movement of fluids over cell surfaces, whereas flagella usually enable the locomotion of the cell itself, as seen in sperm cells.CFAP46 belongs to a group of proteins that are essential for the assembly and maintenance of cilia and flagella, contributing to their proper functioning. These structures are composed of a microtubule-based skeleton called the axoneme, which is the core of both cilia and flagella and is highly conserved across species. The axoneme is surrounded by the cell membrane and is built from nine outer doublet microtubules and, in the case of motile cilia and flagella, two central single microtubules, forming the so-called "9+2" structure.

The exact role of CFAP46 within ciliary and flagellar assembly is not fully understood, but proteins associated with these organelles are known to play a role in the process of intraflagellar transport (IFT). IFT is a bidirectional system that is critical for the movement of molecular cargo along the axoneme, necessary for the growth and maintenance of these organelles. Defects in IFT and associated proteins can lead to a group of disorders known as ciliopathies, which are characterized by respiratory problems, infertility, and developmental defects, underscoring the importance of cilia and flagella in human health.Given the complexity and dynamic nature of cilia and flagella, CFAP46 likely interacts with a plethora of other proteins to exert its function. Understanding its precise role could provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the formation and operation of these essential cellular structures.