| Modification Notes |
The Tensin (Tns) family of proteins is involved in the maintenance of cellular structure by anchoring Actin filaments at the focal adhesion via F-Actin binding and capping activities. Tns proteins contain a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and have the ability to be phosphorylated, suggesting an additional role in signal transduction cascades. These diverse characteristics indicate that Tns proteins may be important links between the cytoskeleton and signal transduction pathways. Tns4 (tensin 4), also known as CTEN, is a 715 amino acid protein that localizes to focal adhesions and contains one SH2 domain and one phosphatase tensin-type domain. Expressed in placenta and prostate, Tns4 binds to Actin filaments and is thought to be involved in cartilage development, cell migration and apoptosis, and may also play a role in linking signal transduction pathways to the cytoskeleton. Tns4 is subject to post-translational phosphorylation and is down-regulated in prostate cancer cells, suggesting a role in tumor suppression. |