Pkhd1l1 : a deafness gene that listens to tumors

Abstract

The PKHD1L1 (Polycystic Kidney and Hepatic Disease 1-Like 1) protein was initially characterized as an inducible Tlymphocyte receptor but has since proved to have many diverse functions. Pkhd1l1 regulates hearing and hippocampal neuronal excitability and protects against epileptic seizures. Its expression is associated with better survival rates in older Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. PKHD1L1 is a potential Tumor-Infiltrating T and Blymphocyte marker (TIL and TIL-B, respectively). In LUAD, PKHD1L1 gene is co-expressed with chemokines such as CCL4, CCL5, CCL19, and CXCL9, attracting T-CD8+ cells to the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). In LUAD, PKHD1L1 transcription primarily correlates with plasma cells, raising the possibility to be involved in Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC), Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), and Antibody Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP), suggesting its significance in cancer immunity; therefore, Pkhd1l1 is a promising target for therapeutic interventions.