Chloride channel CLIC-like 1, also known as CLCC1 is a human gene.[5][6] This protein is vital in the regulation, storage and secretion of lipids[7] and the assembly of nuclear pore complexes (NOCs). It may also be a chloride channel however evidence for this is inconclusive.[8]
CLCC1 has various functions but is vital in two main functions in hepatic cells and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). In hepatocytes, this protein is a critical regulator of neutral lipid storage and secretion. It mediates membrane fusion which promotes hepatic neutral lipid flux and the assembly of the nuclear pore complex.[8]
Lipid regulation
CLCC1 regulates in lipid homeostasis by regulating the storage and secretion of lipids.[8] It is able to recognize an imbalance in lipids by partnering with TMEM41B. When an imbalance is recognized, lipid scrambling is then promoted. They also support the biogenesis and bulk tranport of lipoproteins (LPs).[7]
NPC assembly
CLCC1 seems to be an essential component in the assembly of the nuclear pore complex in hepatic cells. Disruptions in similar proteins (BRL1 and BRR6) has caused nuclear membrane herniations (nuclear blebs) often being from disruptions in NPC insertion. Because of the similar structure of CLCC1 has to BRL1 and BRR6, it would likely have a similar effect. (Mathiowetz et al. 2026) knocked-out CLCC1 genes from mice cells which resulted in loss of NPCs. This lead to a reduction in transportation between the nucleus and cytoplasm.[8]
Channel protein
The protein encoded by this gene is potentially a chloride channel. However there is no conclusive evidence for this and there seems to be no overall sequence similarity with known protein channel families.[8]
