TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (also known as TRAIL) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFSF10 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This cytokine is a ligand for receptors TRAIL-R1 (DR4) and TRAIL-R2 (DR5).

Function

TRAIL selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells. The cytotoxic effects of TRAIL on cancer cells have been seen in many different types of cancers. The protein is also known to play a role in immune surveillance against tumor development.

Structure

TRAIL is a type II transmembrane protein with a unique structure. It is a homotrimer protein that binds to the death receptors DR4 and DR5.

Clinical significance

TRAIL has been studied for its potential use in cancer therapy. It has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without causing damage to normal cells. However, some cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

See also

• TNF superfamily
• Apoptosis
• Cancer

External links

• GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on TNFSF10
• UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot entry on TNFSF10

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand Resources
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