FAM3C, also termed Interleukin-like EMT inducer (ILEI), belongs to the FAM3 family of cytokine-like proteins. This 224-amino acid protein features a conserved GG domain and is expressed across multiple tissues, including the brain, pancreas, and epithelial cells . Its secretion and interaction with extracellular components enable roles in cell signaling, differentiation, and disease pathogenesis .
Elevated FAM3C expression is strongly linked to aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis across cancers:
Mechanistically, FAM3C drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulates oncogenic pathways like p53 signaling .
Low FAM3C levels in the brain are associated with AD pathogenesis, potentially serving as a biomarker alongside saposin D .
FAM3C regulates multiple pathways:
In C. elegans, FAM3C ortholog FAMP-1 governs memory-based thermotaxis, highlighting conserved roles in neural circuits .
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Detection Range | 15.625–1000 pg/mL |
Sensitivity | <9.375 pg/mL |
Sample Types | Serum, plasma, cell culture supernatants |
Applications | Quantifying FAM3C in metabolic studies, cancer research |
Recombinant FAM3C protein (HEK293-derived) is utilized for in vitro assays, enabling studies on retinal lamination and metabolic disorders .
FAM3C is emerging as a dual-purpose target:
Biomarker: Serum levels correlate with AD progression and cancer aggressiveness .
Therapeutic Target: Inhibitors under investigation for disrupting FAM3C-driven pathways in PAAD and breast cancer .
Clinical Trials: Validating FAM3C’s utility in non-invasive diagnostics.
Pathway Modulation: Developing small molecules to block FAM3C’s interaction with PI3K-Akt and p53.
FAM3C plays a significant role in various biological processes: