EML4

Function

Essential for the formation and stability of microtubules (MTs) (PubMed:16890222, PubMed:31409757). Required for the organization of the mitotic spindle and for the proper attachment of kinetochores to MTs (PubMed:25789526). Promotes the recruitment of NUDC to the mitotic spindle for mitotic progression (PubMed:25789526).

Involvement in disease

A chromosomal aberration involving EML4 has been identified in a subset of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma. This aberration leads to the production of a fusion protein between the N-terminus of EML4 and the C-terminus of ALK. It is unclear whether the fusion protein is caused by a simple inversion within 2p (inv(2)(p21p23)) or whether the chromosome translocation involving 2p is more complex. When tested in a heterologous system, the fusion protein EML4-ALK possesses transforming activity that is dependent on ALK catalytic activity, possibly due to spontaneous dimerization mediated by the EML4 moiety, leading to ALK kinase activation.

Post-translational modifications

Phosphorylated during mitosis (PubMed:16890222). Phosphorylation at Ser-144 and Ser-146 promotes its dissociation from microtubules during mitosis which is required for efficient chromosome congression (PubMed:31409757).

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the WD repeat EMAP family.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Cytoskeleton
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoskeleton
• Spindle
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoskeleton
• Microtubule organizing center
• Midbody
• Localizes to microtubules (MTs) during interphase with a significantly reduced affinity for MTs during mitosis.

Alternative names

C2orf2, EMAPL4, EML4, Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4, EMAP-4, Restrictedly overexpressed proliferation-associated protein, Ropp 120

Database links

swissprot:Q9HC35 omim:607442 omim:105590 swissprot:Q96HE3 entrezGene:238 swissprot:Q9UM73 entrezGene:27436