TAF15

TAF15

TAF15, also known as TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15, is a protein encoded by the TAF15 gene in humans. It is a member of the FET (FUS, EWS, TAF15) family of RNA-binding proteins, which are involved in various cellular processes, including transcription regulation, RNA splicing, and mRNA transport. TAF15 has been implicated in several diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Structure

TAF15 is characterized by the presence of several conserved domains that facilitate its function as an RNA-binding protein. These include:

• RNA Recognition Motifs (RRMs): TAF15 contains two RRMs that are crucial for its ability to bind RNA molecules.
• Glycine-rich Domain: This domain is involved in protein-protein interactions and is a common feature in RNA-binding proteins.
• Prion-like Domain: This domain is associated with the formation of protein aggregates and is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.

Function

TAF15 plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. It is involved in:

• Transcription Regulation: TAF15 interacts with the transcription machinery to modulate the expression of specific genes.
• RNA Splicing: It participates in the splicing of pre-mRNA, influencing the diversity of mRNA transcripts.
• mRNA Transport: TAF15 is involved in the transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, affecting protein synthesis.

Clinical Significance

TAF15 has been associated with several pathological conditions:

• Cancer: Aberrant expression of TAF15 has been observed in various cancers, including liposarcoma and leukemia. It is thought to contribute to oncogenesis through its role in transcription regulation.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mutations and mislocalization of TAF15 have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Research Directions

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the precise molecular mechanisms by which TAF15 contributes to disease. This includes studies on its interaction partners, post-translational modifications, and its role in RNA metabolism.

Also see

• RNA-binding protein
• Transcription regulation
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Cancer biology

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