Apolipoprotein L 4 Protein

Background

Apolipoprotein L4 (APOL4) is a lesser-studied member of the Apolipoprotein L family and is thought to participate in lipid transport, cellular signaling, and immune modulation. APOL4 is expressed in multiple tissues, including the brain, liver, and immune cells, and localizes to intracellular compartments such as the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid membranes. Like other APOL family members, APOL4 is believed to influence cellular lipid homeostasis, lipid transport pathways, and apoptosis regulation. Its expression is regulated by inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a role in innate immunity and responses to cellular stress. Although the specific biological functions of APOL4 remain unclear, studies indicate that it may contribute to processes such as membrane trafficking, lipid metabolism, and host defense mechanisms against pathogens. Dysregulation of APOL4 expression has been observed in various pathological conditions, including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, implicating its involvement in cellular survival and disease progression. Further research is needed to fully elucidate APOL4’s functional roles and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in lipid metabolism disorders, immune regulation, and cancer biology.