Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
TNF, cytokine, structure, function, genes, evolutionary pathways
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
TNF-á is a cytokine released from activated macrophages and mast cells. It was identified a little over three decades ago as a protein responsible for lysis of certain types of cells, with specificity for tumor cells. Despite hopes as an anti-tumor agent, significant cytotoxic effects have excluded TNF-á from targeted therapies against multiple diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, allograft rejection, and autoimmune disorders. In order to understand the pleiotropic effects expressed by TNF-á, researchers have attempted to map the functional regions of this gene hoping to discover the amino acid residues related to receptor binding and differentiation, and cytotoxicity. Although many residues critical for biological function have been determined, the exact residues responsible for cytotoxicity and receptor binding affinity have not been located.
Recommended Citation
Grams, Raymond W. II and McClellan, Dr. David A.
(2013)
"TNF: Structure and Function,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1000.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1000