Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are a class of membrane proteins, also known as integral membrane proteins, that contain at least one transmembrane structure. A variety of membrane protein function has been found closely related to the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of malignant tumors: TMEM48, TMEM45A/B, TMEM14A, TMEM158 and TMEM206 have tumor promoting effects; TMEM25 and TMEM7 have antitumor effects; TMEM16A, TMEM17, TMEM97, TMEM88 and TMEM176 play heterogeneity roles in different tumors. These TMEMs can be used as potential prognostic indicators and new therapeutic targets.