GPNMB
GPNMB (glycoprotein nmb, also known as NMB or HGFIN) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the PMEL/NMB family. It shows homology to the melanocyte-specific pMEL17 precursor and has been proposed to act as a melanogenic enzyme. Browse Assay Genie's current range of GPNMB research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
GPNMB is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the PMEL/NMB family. UniProt annotates its function cautiously, noting that it could be a melanogenic enzyme, and the NCBI Gene summary describes homology to the pMEL17 precursor, a melanocyte-specific protein. The exact biochemical activity of the GPNMB protein has therefore not been firmly established in the sources used here.
According to UniProt, the protein is found at the cell membrane, the melanosome membrane and the early endosome membrane. This distribution is consistent with a role connected to pigment-cell biology and membrane trafficking. The human GPNMB gene has mouse and rat orthologs, both named Gpnmb, which allows the protein to be studied in common rodent models. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported for the gene.
Interest in GPNMB in cancer research stems from observations in melanoma. The RefSeq summary reports that GPNMB is expressed in lowly metastatic human melanoma cell lines and xenografts, but not in highly metastatic cell lines, and suggests it may be involved in growth delay and reduction of metastatic potential. The gene has also been listed as HGFIN and NMB, and its earlier HGNC name was glycoprotein (transmembrane) nmb. Researchers working with a GPNMB antibody or a GPNMB ELISA kit should keep these aliases in mind when searching the literature.
GPNMB is expressed in lowly metastatic melanoma cell lines but not highly metastatic ones, making it a candidate for studying metastatic potential.
The protein localises to the melanosome membrane and is related to pMEL17, linking it to pigment-cell and melanogenesis research.
GPNMB is annotated at the early endosome membrane as well as the cell membrane, relevant to studies of membrane protein sorting.
The RefSeq summary suggests GPNMB may contribute to growth delay, supporting investigation of its effect on tumour cell proliferation.
UniProt states that GPNMB could be a melanogenic enzyme, and it is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein homologous to pMEL17. NCBI Gene adds that it may be involved in growth delay and reduction of metastatic potential in melanoma. Its precise function remains to be fully defined.
GPNMB is also known as NMB and HGFIN, and UniProt lists the protein name transmembrane glycoprotein NMB. The earlier HGNC name was glycoprotein (transmembrane) nmb. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for the gene.
Yes. The mouse and rat orthologs are both named Gpnmb, so the gene can be studied in rodent models. GPNMB belongs to the PMEL/NMB family. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other melanosome-associated proteins and PMEL/NMB family relatives with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q14956; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.