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TNF

Function

Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 and TNFRSF1B/TNFBR. It is mainly secreted by macrophages and can induce cell death of certain tumor cell lines. It is potent pyrogen causing fever by direct action or by stimulation of interleukin-1 secretion and is implicated in the induction of cachexia, Under certain conditions it can stimulate cell proliferation and induce cell differentiation (By similarity). Induces insulin resistance in adipocytes via inhibition of insulin-induced IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation and insulin-induced glucose uptake. Induces GKAP42 protein degradation in adipocytes which is partially responsible for TNF-induced insulin resistance (By similarity). Plays a role in angiogenesis by inducing VEGF production synergistically with IL1B and IL6 (By similarity).

The TNF intracellular domain (ICD) form induces IL12 production in dendritic cells.

Post-translational modifications

The soluble form derives from the membrane form by proteolytic processing. The membrane-bound form is further proteolytically processed by SPPL2A or SPPL2B through regulated intramembrane proteolysis producing TNF intracellular domains (ICD1 and ICD2) released in the cytosol and TNF C-domain 1 and C-domain 2 secreted into the extracellular space (By similarity).

The membrane form, but not the soluble form, is phosphorylated on serine residues. Dephosphorylation of the membrane form occurs by binding to soluble TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 (By similarity).

O-glycosylated; glycans contain galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylneuraminic acid.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family.

Cellular localization

  • Cell membrane
  • Single-pass type II membrane protein
  • Tumor necrosis factor, membrane form
  • Membrane
  • Single-pass type II membrane protein
  • Tumor necrosis factor, soluble form
  • Secreted
  • C-domain 1
  • Secreted
  • C-domain 2
  • Secreted

Alternative names

  • Tumor necrosis factor
  • Cachectin
  • TNF-alpha
  • Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 2
  • TNF-a
  • TNFSF2
  • TNFA
  • TNF

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Other research areas

  • Cardiovascular
  • Immuno-oncology
  • Neuroscience
  • Oncology

Molecular weight

25630Da