Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
TWEAK/Fn14 Axis-Targeted Therapeutics: Moving Basic Science Discoveries to the Clinic
Emily Cheng1, Cheryl L Armstrong1, Rebeca Galisteo1
1Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA.
Tumor necrosis factor-like weak (TWEAK) and its receptor Fn14 (fibroblast growth factor 14) are key in tissue repair and disease. Targeting this TWEAK/Fn14 signaling axis shows therapeutic potential for cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The TNF superfamily member TWEAK (TNFSF12) is crucial for tissue regeneration and wound repair.
- TWEAK binds to its receptor Fn14 (TNFRSF12A), initiating cellular responses like proliferation and migration.
- Fn14 signaling activates pathways including NF-κB, and its expression is elevated in injured tissues and tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of TWEAK/Fn14 axis-targeted agents in pre-clinical and clinical development.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting the TWEAK/Fn14 signaling node.
Main Methods:
- Review of pre-clinical animal studies and human clinical trials.
- Analysis of therapeutic agents including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and immunotoxins.
Main Results:
- The TWEAK/Fn14 axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
- Several TWEAK- or Fn14-targeted agents are under investigation for therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the TWEAK/Fn14 signaling pathway presents a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.
- Further development of TWEAK/Fn14-targeted agents is ongoing for potential clinical use.
More Related Videos
09:37Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
08:59Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Preclinical Development: Overview
Drug Discovery: Overview