TNKS
TNKS (tankyrase, also known as TNKS1, PARP-5a, PARP5A, ARTD5, TIN1 and TINF1) is a poly-ADP-ribosyltransferase that modifies target proteins by PARsylation. It acts in Wnt signalling, telomere length control and vesicle trafficking. Browse Assay Genie's current range of TNKS research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
TNKS is a poly-ADP-ribosyltransferase that attaches chains of ADP-ribose to substrate proteins, a modification known as poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARsylation). Its best-described role is as an activator of the Wnt signalling pathway. TNKS PARsylates AXIN1 and AXIN2, two key components of the beta-catenin destruction complex. The modified proteins are recognised by the E3 ligase RNF146, which ubiquitinates them and targets them for degradation. TNKS also PARsylates BLZF1 and CASC3, again followed by RNF146 recruitment and ubiquitination, and it stimulates 26S proteasome activity.
Beyond Wnt signalling, TNKS PARsylates TERF1 and so contributes to the regulation of telomere length. It is involved in centrosome maturation during prometaphase through PARsylation of HEPACAM2/MIKI, and it may contribute to spindle pole assembly through PARsylation of NUMA1. TNKS may also regulate vesicle trafficking and modulate the subcellular distribution of SLC2A4/GLUT4-vesicles. Consistent with these roles, the protein is found in the cytoplasm, Golgi apparatus membrane, centrosome, spindle pole, nuclear pore complex and telomeres. NCBI Gene also lists telomerase inhibitor activity and zinc ion binding among its functions.
The TNKS gene belongs to the ARTD/PARP family and to HGNC groups that include ankyrin repeat domain containing proteins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and sterile alpha motif domain containing proteins. It is also a host gene for microRNAs. The name tankyrase derives from the earlier description TRF1-interacting ankyrin-related ADP-ribose polymerase. The mouse ortholog is Tnks, and the paralogue TNKS2 is a closely related family member.
TNKS PARsylates AXIN1 and AXIN2 in the beta-catenin destruction complex, making it central to studies of Wnt pathway activation.
By PARsylating TERF1, TNKS contributes to telomere length regulation and is studied in telomere maintenance.
TNKS supports centrosome maturation through HEPACAM2/MIKI and may aid spindle pole assembly via NUMA1.
TNKS-mediated PARsylation recruits RNF146 for ubiquitination, stimulates 26S proteasome activity and may influence GLUT4 vesicle distribution.
TNKS is a poly-ADP-ribosyltransferase. It PARsylates substrates such as AXIN1, AXIN2, TERF1, BLZF1, CASC3, HEPACAM2/MIKI and NUMA1. This affects Wnt signalling, telomere length, centrosome maturation, spindle pole assembly and possibly vesicle trafficking. It also stimulates 26S proteasome activity.
TNKS is also called tankyrase-1, TNKS1, PARP-5a, PARP5A, pART5, ARTD5, TIN1 and TINF1. A previous name was TRF1-interacting ankyrin-related ADP-ribose polymerase. UniProt lists the protein as poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase tankyrase-1, EC 2.4.2.30.
TNKS has a mouse ortholog, Tnks, and belongs to the ARTD/PARP family. TNKS2 is a related tankyrase gene. Cross-species reactivity varies between reagents, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Tankyrase family members and related pathway targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O95271; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.