User:Jzhumi/Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2

Lead
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B (TNFRSF1B) and CD120b, is one of two membrane receptors that binds tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Like its counterpart, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), the extracellular region of TNFR2 consists of four cysteine-rich domains which allow for binding to TNFα. TNFR1 and TNFR2 possess different functions when bound to TNFα due to differences in their intracellular structures, such as TNFR2 lacking a death domain (DD).

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which also contains TNFRSF1A. This protein and TNF-receptor 1 form a heterocomplex that mediates the recruitment of two anti-apoptotic proteins, c-IAP1 and c-IAP2, which possess E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The function of IAPs in TNF-receptor signalling is unknown, however, c-IAP1 is thought to potentiate TNF-induced apoptosis by the ubiquitination and degradation of TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which mediates anti-apoptotic signals. Knockout studies in mice also suggest a role of this protein in protecting neurons from apoptosis by stimulating antioxidative pathways.

Clinical significance
At least partly because TNRF2 has no intracellular death domain, TNFR2 is neuroprotective.

Targeting of TNRF2 in tumor cells has been associated with increased tumor cell death and decreased progression of tumor cell growth.

Research has found that loss of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia is associated with increased levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2).

Role of TNRF2 in Cancer Research
As of today, researchers have found that TNFR2 is associated with tumor cells in four types of cancer: breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, and renal cancer. A link between the expression of TNRF2 in tumor cells and late-stage cancer has been discovered. TNFR2 plays a significant role in tumor cell growth as it has been found that the loss of TNFR2 expression is linked with increased death of associated tumor cells and a significant standstill of further growth. There is therapeutic potential in the targeting of TNFR2 for cancer treatments through TNFR2 inhibition.