C10orf54, also known as GI24, belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is a transmembrane molecule expressed in bone, on embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and on tumor cell surfaces. On ESCs, C10orf54 appears to positively interact with BMP-4, potentiating BMP signaling and the transition from an undifferentiated to a differentiated state. On tumor cells, C10orf54 both promotes MT1-MMP expression and activity and serves as a substrate for MT1-MMP. This increases the potential for cell motility. Human C10orf54 undergoes proteolytic cleavage by MT1-MMP, generating a soluble 30 kDa extracellular fragment plus a 25-30 kDa membrane-bound fragment.
