Chromosome 1 open reading frame 186 (C1orf186) is the protein-encoding the RHEX(regulation of hemoglobinization and erythroid cell expansion) gene.[1]
RHEX is targeted by erythropoietin signaling, which controls erythroid cell expansion and the final parts of erythroblast development. In humans, RHEX is highly expressed in the kidney and lymph tissues with lower but still significant expression in the pancreas, liver, and lungs.[2] Despite its participation in erythroblast development, RHEX is virtually absent in the placenta and heart.
C1orf186 contains one transmembrane domain located near the beginning of the translated region.[3]
There are no known paralogs of C1orf186 within humans.
C1orf186 has orthologs seen in many mammals, most distantly in marsupials. Non-mammalian orthologs have been found in alligators, turtles, and flighted and flightless birds.