Roles of FAM134B in diseases from the perspectives of organelle membrane morphogenesis and cellular homeostasis

Family with sequence similarity 134 member B (FAM134B)/RETREG1/JK1 is a novel gene with recently reported roles in various diseases. Understanding the function and mechanism of action of FAM134B is necessary to develop disease therapies. Notably, emerging data are clarifying the molecular mechanisms of FAM134B function in organelle membrane morphogenesis and the regulation of signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and AKT signaling pathways. In addition, transcription factors, RNA N-6-methyladenosine-mediated epigenetic regulation, microRNA, and small molecules are involved in the regulation of FAM134B expression. This review comprehensively considers recent studies on the role of FAM134B and its potential mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, viral diseases, cancer, and other diseases. The functions of FAM134B in maintaining cell homeostasis by regulating Golgi morphology, endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, and mitophagy are also highlighted, which may be the underlying mechanism of FAM134B gene mutation-induced diseases. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of the FAM134B function during numerous biological processes are discussed. This review provides novel insights into the functions and mechanisms of FAM134B in various diseases, which will inform the development of effective drugs to treat diseases.