Death receptor 4

Death receptor 4 (pronunciation: /dɛθ rɪˈsɛptər fɔːr/), also known as DR4 or TRAIL-R1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFRSF10A gene.

Etymology

The term "Death receptor" refers to a group of receptors that initiate apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The number "4" signifies that it is one of several death receptors identified.

Function

Death receptor 4 is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily. This receptor contains an extracellular TRAIL-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a truncated cytoplasmic death domain. This receptor does not induce apoptosis unless an apoptosis signal is present. The signal transduction of this receptor is mediated by various death domain containing adaptors.

Related Terms

Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
TNF-receptor superfamily: A protein superfamily of cytokine receptors characterized by the ability to bind tumor necrosis factors (TNFs).
Receptors: A protein molecule that receives chemical signals from outside a cell.
TRAIL-binding domain: A domain that binds with the TRAIL protein, which is known to trigger apoptosis.
Transmembrane domain: A part of a protein that spans the entirety of the biological membrane.
Death domain: A protein interaction module composed of six alpha-helices. Death domains can mediate assembly of large signaling complexes in the TNF receptor superfamily pathway.