TWEAK (otherwise known as TNFRSF12A, Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A), is a member of the TNF family and was first described as a weak inducer of apoptosis in some cell types. It is thought to promote angiogenesis and the proliferation of endothelial cells as well as modulating cellular adhesion to matrix proteins.
Recently, a receptor for TWEAK was isolated by expression cloning from a HUVEC cell cDNA library.
Function: Receptor for TNFSF12/TWEAK. Weak inducer of apoptosis in some cell types. Promotes angiogenesis and the proliferation of endothelial cells. May modulate cellular adhesion to matrix proteins.
Subunit: Associates with TRAF1 and TRAF2, and probably also with TRAF3.
Subcellular Location: Membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.
Tissue Specificity: Highly expressed in heart, placenta and kidney. Intermediate expression in lung, skeletal muscle and pancreas.
