CRIPTO
Function
GPI-anchored cell membrane protein involved in Nodal signaling. Cell-associated CRIPTO acts as a Nodal coreceptor in cis. Shedding of CRIPTO by TMEM8A modulates Nodal signaling by allowing soluble CRIPTO to act as a Nodal coreceptor on other cells (PubMed:27881714). Could play a role in the determination of the epiblastic cells that subsequently give rise to the mesoderm (PubMed:11909953).
Post-translational modifications
The GPI-anchor is attached to the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum and serves to target the protein to the cell surface. There, it is processed by GPI processing phospholipase A2 (TMEM8A), removing an acyl-chain at the sn-2 position of GPI and releasing CRIPTO as a lysophosphatidylinositol-bearing form, which is further cleaved by phospholipase D (GPLD1) into a soluble form.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the EGF-CFC (Cripto-1/FRL1/Cryptic) family.
Tissue Specificity
Preferentially expressed in gastric and colorectal carcinomas than in their normal counterparts. Expressed in breast and lung.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Lipid-anchor
- GPI-anchor
- Secreted
- Released from the cell membrane by GPI cleavage.
Alternative names
CRIPTO-1, TDGF1, CRIPTO, Protein Cripto, Cripto-1 growth factor, Epidermal growth factor-like cripto protein CR1, Teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 1, CRGF