Exoc4-flox Mouse

Exoc4, also known as exocyst complex component 4, is involved in vesicle transport [3]. It participates in important biological processes and is associated with multiple pathways. For example, it may be related to insulin-stimulated glucose transport [4]. Genetic models are valuable for studying its functions.

In diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC), high expression of EXOC4 is correlated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. It promotes cell migration, invasion, and tumor metastasis of DGC cells by regulating the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Y397 sites, which is achieved by stimulating the secretion of integrin α5/β1/EGF and enhancing the interaction of FAK and integrin or EGFR [1].

In stroke patients, altered methylation pattern in EXOC4 is associated with a worse neurological course, and pathway enrichment analysis reveals associations related to endocytosis and deubiquitination processes, as well as natural killer (NK) cell activation [2].

In pigs, an SNP in EXOC4 is associated with reproductive traits, and a positive transcription regulatory element in its promoter has been identified [3].

In cases of human nephrotic syndrome, rare heterozygous deletions of EXOC4 were identified, and disruption of the exocyst (with Exoc4 as a component) in podocyte-specific Exoc5 knockout mice led to podocyte loss and dysfunction, suggesting exocyst-based mechanisms regulate podocyte development and function [5].

In conclusion, EXOC4 is crucial in vesicle transport-related biological processes. Studies on EXOC4 using gene knockout or related mouse models have revealed its roles in diseases such as DGC, stroke, and nephrotic syndrome, as well as its associations with reproductive traits in pigs. These findings help in understanding the biological functions of EXOC4 and its implications in various disease conditions and biological processes.