ADRM1 is a component of the 26S proteasome, a large protein complex responsible for the ATP-dependent degradation of ubiquitinated proteins . The proteasome is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis by removing misfolded or damaged proteins and proteins that are no longer needed. ADRM1 acts as a ubiquitin receptor within the proteasome, recruiting the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L5 (UCHL5) . This interaction is vital for the regulation of protein degradation.
Although ADRM1 is primarily an intracellular protein, its increased levels are associated with enhanced cell adhesion . This effect is likely indirect and may be mediated through its role in protein degradation and signal transduction pathways. Dysregulation of ADRM1 has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer.
ADRM1 has been identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in several types of cancer, including bladder cancer . Studies have shown that ADRM1 expression is significantly elevated in bladder cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues . High ADRM1 expression is associated with poor overall survival in bladder cancer patients . Functional analyses have revealed that ADRM1 is involved in immune-related pathways and is positively correlated with key immune checkpoints such as CD274 (PD-L1), PDCD1 (PD-1), and PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2) . This suggests that ADRM1 may play a role in the tumor microenvironment and could be a target for immunotherapy.
The prognostic significance of ADRM1 in cancer patients highlights its potential as a therapeutic target. Patients with high ADRM1 expression may benefit from immunotherapy, while those with low ADRM1 expression may be more sensitive to traditional chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, docetaxel, vinblastine, mitomycin C, and methotrexate . This dual role underscores the importance of ADRM1 in personalized cancer treatment strategies.