Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human Yippee-like-4 (YPEL4) is a member of the YPEL gene family. This family has been characterized as the first highly conserved family of genes coding for proteins that contain putative zinc-finger-like metal-binding domains, known as the Yippee domain. The YPEL family proteins are located at the centrosome adjacent to the nucleolus during interphase and mitotic apparatus during mitosis. Due to its subcellular localization, it is believed that YPEL4 may have an important role in the cell cycle and proliferation. Recent studies have shown the involvement of YPEL4 in biological processes such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and adrenal cell proliferation. Research on YPEL4 up to date also suggests that YPEL4 is a very important player in pulmonary diseases. CONCLUSIONS: YPEL4 may regulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway to mediate adrenal cell proliferation; this molecule is also likely to be a very important player in pulmonary diseases. Although the function of YPEL4 is largely unknown, further research may substantiate the functional importance and underlying molecular processes in pulmonary and other diseases that would allow YPEL4 to become a therapeutic target.