Mm47 (F4E5V) Rabbit mAb #74986

Many mammalian genomes contain previously unannotated short open reading frames (sORFs) that potentially code for small, functional proteins termed micropeptides (1,2,5). Micropeptides have recently been shown to play roles in cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis (2,3,5-7). One of these micropeptides, short transmembrane protein 1 (STMP1, Mm47), localizes at the inner mitochondrial membrane and has increased expression in various cancers. Mm47 is associated with metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (1,2,4). Genetic studies show that Mm47 promotes mitochondrial fission and increased migration of tumor cells (1,2,4). Overexpression of Mm47 leads to redistribution of mitochondria to the leading edge of cells and enhanced lamellipodia formation (2,4). Mm47 silencing inhibits tumor metastasis in xenograft mouse models (2). Collectively, recent studies highlight Mm47 as an important regulator of metastasis and an important player in mitochondrial fission, providing a potential therapeutic target.