Hematological and Neurological Expressed 1-Like (HN1L), also known as C16orf34, CRAMP_1-like, or KIAA1426, is a protein encoded by the HN1L gene in humans. This protein has garnered attention due to its involvement in various biological processes and its potential as a therapeutic target in certain cancers.
The HN1L gene is located on chromosome 16 and encodes a protein that is approximately 22.5 kDa in size. The recombinant form of this protein, often used in research, is typically expressed in E. coli and purified using conventional chromatography techniques. The recombinant protein is fused to a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification and detection .
Recent studies have highlighted the significance of HN1L in cancer biology, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is characterized by its aggressive clinical behavior and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Research has shown that HN1L is upregulated in a significant proportion of breast cancer cases and is negatively correlated with relapse-free survival in TNBC patients .
HN1L has been identified as a novel therapeutic target for TNBC due to its role in regulating cancer stem cell self-renewal. Silencing HN1L in vitro and in vivo has been shown to suppress the breast cancer stem cell population, sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, and reduce metastasis . Mechanistically, HN1L is believed to function as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of STAT3 and related genes, promoting pathways that support cancer stem cell self-renewal .