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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
12:24

Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy

Published on: September 29, 2016

7.4K

TRAF7 in signaling and disease: emerging mechanisms and clinical implications

Albert Orock1, Jeffrey A Zuccato1, Khanh Phan1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.

Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)
|December 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) is crucial for cell processes. TRAF7 alterations link to developmental disorders and cancers, necessitating further research for biomarkers and therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) are key signaling proteins.
  • TRAF7, the newest TRAF, has unique E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and regulates multiple pathways.
  • TRAF7 mutations are implicated in developmental disorders and various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the physiological roles of TRAF7.
  • To explore the pathophysiology of clinical conditions associated with TRAF7 alterations.
  • To identify future research directions for TRAF7-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TRAF7's physiological functions.
  • Analysis of clinical data linking TRAF7 mutations/expression to diseases.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on TRAF7's role in immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, and cancer.

Main Results:

  • TRAF7 activates MEKK3 and KLF2/4 signaling, inhibits MEK1/2 and c-Myb, and stabilizes VE-cadherins.
  • Germline TRAF7 mutations cause developmental delays and dysmorphic features (TRAF7 syndrome).
  • Somatic TRAF7 mutations are found in meningiomas, mesotheliomas, and perineuriomas; altered expression correlates with poor prognosis in liver, breast, and prostate cancers.

Conclusions:

  • TRAF7 plays diverse roles in fundamental cellular processes.
  • TRAF7 alterations are linked to significant human diseases, from developmental syndromes to cancers.
  • Further research is needed to understand TRAF7 mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Diagnostic biomarkerMeningiomaPrognostic biomarkerTRAF7 mutationTRAF7 syndromeTumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs)

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