Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 Like Protein

Background

AIF1L is a homolog of AIF1 with a similar structure, including calcium-binding motifs, but has distinct tissue distribution and functional roles. AIF1L is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells, where it is involved in regulating cell adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and migration. Unlike AIF1, which is more focused on immune cell activation, AIF1L contributes to maintaining epithelial integrity and barrier function. It also plays a role in cell migration during tissue repair and in cancer metastasis. AIF1L has been implicated in tumor biology, with altered expression observed in various cancers, where it may influence cell adhesion and invasiveness. Its roles in non-immune cell regulation make AIF1L a protein of interest in epithelial biology and oncology. Further research is required to fully elucidate its functions and potential pathological implications.