Tetraspanin

Tetraspanin is a type of protein that is part of the tetraspanin family. These proteins are characterized by their structure, which includes four transmembrane domains. Tetraspanins are found in all multicellular eukaryotes, and are involved in a variety of biological processes.

Structure

Tetraspanins are small integral membrane proteins with four transmembrane domains. The two extracellular loops are of unequal size, with the larger one containing a cysteine-rich region. The intracellular domains of tetraspanins interact with a variety of other proteins, including cytoskeletal proteins, signaling proteins, and other tetraspanins.

Function

Tetraspanins are involved in a wide range of biological processes. They play a role in cell adhesion, cell migration, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Tetraspanins are also involved in the formation of multivesicular bodies, which are involved in protein sorting and exosome release.

Clinical significance

Tetraspanins have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, the tetraspanin CD151 is overexpressed in several types of cancer and may contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, tetraspanins are involved in the entry of several pathogens into cells, including HIV and hepatitis C virus.

See also

• Transmembrane protein
• Cell adhesion
• Cell migration
• Multivesicular body
• Exosome

References

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  Hypothetical model of the tetraspanin function