Membralin is evolutionarily highly conserved; though it seems to represent a unique protein family. The protein appears to contain several transmembrane regions. In humans it is expressed in certain cancers, particularly ovarian cancers [1]. Membralin-like gene homologues have been identified in plants including grape, cotton and tomato [2].

1: Identification and characterization of membralin, a novel tumor-associated gene, in ovarian carcinoma. Chen YC, Davidson B, Cheng CC, Maitra A, Giuntoli RL 2nd, Hruban RH, Wang TL, Shih IeM; Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005;1730:96-102. PMID:16084606

2: Characterization and expression of the gene encoding membralin, an evolutionary conserved protein expressed in the central nervous system. Andersson O, von Euler G; Brain Res Gene Expr Patterns. 2002;1:205-212. PMID:12638133