SMIM20

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SMIM20 (small integral membrane protein 20) is a human gene also known as C4orf52 or MITRAC7. It encodes a prohormone that is cut to produce two peptide hormones: Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) and Phoenixin-20 (PNX-20). Phoenizin peptides are generated from two cleavage sites within SMIM20.

Where it’s located
- Humans: on chromosome 4 at 4p15.2
- Mouse: the equivalent gene is on chromosome 5

Expression and tissue presence
- SMIM20 is active in many tissues. In humans, it is notably expressed in the mucosa of the ileum and in several muscles and the kidney. In mice, similar tissues show strong expression, including muscles and parts of the kidney.

Evolution and potential receptor
- SMIM20 and the protein NUCB2 show deep evolutionary conservation across many ancient animal lineages.
- GPR173 is thought to be a receptor for Phoenixin-14 and Phoenixin-20, linking SMIM20 to signaling pathways in the body.