Function
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine which can cause apoptosis. TNFα is implicated in tumor regression, septic shock, inflammation and cachexia (wasting syndrome). It is involved in the regulation of the immune cells[1]. TNFβ is inhibited by interleukin 10. TNF is a transmembrane homotrimer. The soluble TNF is produced by cleavage by the metalloprotease TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE or ADAM17 see A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase). See also TRAIL and Molecular Playground/TRAIL.
Relevance
TNF is studied as both a target and a therapeutic in malignant diseases[2].
Structural highlights
The biological assembly of human tumor necrosis factor is (PDB entry 2az5). .
3D Structures of tumor necrosis factor
Tumor necrosis factor 3D structures
References
- ↑ Baud V, Karin M. Signal transduction by tumor necrosis factor and its relatives. Trends Cell Biol. 2001 Sep;11(9):372-7. PMID:11514191
- ↑ Balkwill F. Tumour necrosis factor and cancer. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009 May;9(5):361-71. doi: 10.1038/nrc2628. Epub 2009 Apr 3. PMID:19343034 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrc2628
