TSPAN8
TSPAN8 (tetraspanin 8, also known as CO-029 and TM4SF3) is a cell-surface glycoprotein of the tetraspanin family. It organises tetraspanin-enriched microdomains in the plasma membrane, where it supports receptor clustering, signal transduction and cell migration. Browse Assay Genie's current range of TSPAN8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
TSPAN8 is a structural component of tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TERMs), specialised membrane regions that act as platforms for receptor clustering and signalling. Through these microdomains it takes part in cell signal transduction, migration and protein trafficking. It recruits ADAM17 to tetraspanin-enriched microdomains and so promotes ADAM17-mediated TNF processing. It also forms a complex with RICTOR and integrin alpha3 (ITGA3) to drive mTORC2 activation and AKT1 phosphorylation, leading to cell migration.
The TSPAN8 protein has further roles in cell survival and tissue homeostasis. In a complex with mTOR and RICTOR, it reduces the apoptosis and autophagy induced by high glucose levels. It contributes to the intestinal epithelial barrier and helps regulate intestinal inflammation. It does this by switching interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) from a clathrin-dependent to a lipid raft-dependent endocytosis route, which limits the magnitude and duration of STAT1 activation. TSPAN8 also modulates the endothelin axis by associating with endothelin converting enzyme ECE1 and regulating its conversion of the endothelin-1 precursor.
The TSPAN8 gene encodes a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also called the tetraspanin family. Most members are cell-surface proteins with four hydrophobic domains, and they mediate signal transduction events that influence cell development, activation, growth and motility. TSPAN8 is a glycoprotein known to complex with integrins, and the gene is expressed in different carcinomas. Alternate polyadenylation sites have been reported. The earlier name, transmembrane 4 superfamily member 3, gave rise to the alias TM4SF3.
TSPAN8 is a structural component of tetraspanin-enriched microdomains, which serve as platforms for receptor clustering and signalling at the cell membrane.
The gene is expressed in different carcinomas, and TSPAN8 acts with integrin alpha3, RICTOR and mTORC2 to promote AKT1 phosphorylation and migration.
TSPAN8 supports the intestinal epithelial barrier and limits STAT1 activation by redirecting IFNGR1 endocytosis, making it relevant to intestinal inflammation.
In complex with mTOR and RICTOR, TSPAN8 reduces apoptosis and autophagy induced by high glucose, linking it to nutrient-stress signalling.
TSPAN8 organises tetraspanin-enriched microdomains that cluster receptors and support signalling, migration and protein trafficking. It recruits ADAM17 for TNF processing, complexes with RICTOR and ITGA3 to activate mTORC2 and AKT1, and modulates endothelin production through ECE1.
TSPAN8 stands for tetraspanin 8. Aliases include CO-029 and TM4SF3, the latter from the previous name transmembrane 4 superfamily member 3. UniProt lists the protein as Tetraspanin-8, a member of the tetraspanin (TM4SF) family.
A mouse ortholog, Tspan8, exists. NCBI reports that the human gene is expressed in different carcinomas. Its roles in intestinal barrier maintenance and inflammation are also described. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other tetraspanin family members with products at Assay Genie, useful for studying membrane microdomain biology.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P19075; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.