TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand: signalling of a 'smart' molecule.

Authors :: Manzo F
Nebbioso A
Miceli M
Conte M
De Bellis F
Carafa V
Franci G
Tambaro FP
Altucci L
Source :: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] 2009 Mar; Vol. 41 (3), pp. 460-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Dec 28.
Publication Year :: 2009
Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor super-family and signals via two death receptors, TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, and two decoy receptors, TRAIL-R3 and TRAIL-R4, differently expressed in normal and cancer cells. TRAIL is mainly studied for its capacity to induce apoptosis preferentially in cancer cells. TRAIL is expressed in a variety of human tissues, in particular in the lymphoid system, suggesting a strong physiological role in the innate immunity. This review will focus on TRAIL gene structure and regulation, protein folding, tissue expression and molecular signalling. Finally, the potential use of TRAIL as anticancer treatment alone or in combination therapy as well as the use of drugs which signal via TRAIL and its receptors will be analyzed.

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