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Zymogen granule protein 16 (ZG16) is one of the most significantly down-regulated genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Proteomic analyses of mucus have identified the lectin-like protein ZG16 as an abundant mucus component, which is significantly decreased in CRC samples compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues and associated with prognosis of patients.

Zymogen Granule Membrane Protein 16 (ZG16) belongs to the jacalin lectin family. ZG16 is highly expressed in liver and is detected at lower levels in colon, ileum and jejunum. ZG16 may play a role in protein trafficking. In addition, ZG16 may act as a linker molecule between the submembranous matrix on the luminal side of zymogen granule membrane (ZGM) and aggregated secretory proteins during granule formation in the TGN.