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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
09:25
Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
An essential role for ectodomain shedding in mammalian development
J J Peschon1, J L Slack, P Reddy
1Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. peschon@immunex.com
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 13, 1998
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) sheds more than just TNFalpha. This protease is crucial for releasing other proteins, like transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha), essential for normal development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Protease Function and Regulation
- Protein Ectodomain Shedding
Background:
- Many cell surface proteins are released as soluble regulators via proteolysis.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) was previously known primarily for releasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the broader role of TACE beyond TNFalpha processing.
- To determine if TACE is involved in the shedding of other cell surface proteins.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cells deficient in the metalloproteinase-disintegrin TACE.
- Phenotypic analysis of mice lacking TACE.
Main Results:
- TACE was found to process multiple cell surface proteins, including a TNF receptor, L-selectin, and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha).
- Mice lacking TACE exhibited developmental abnormalities, indicating a critical in vivo function.
Conclusions:
- TACE plays a significant role in the ectodomain shedding of various proteins, not just TNFalpha.
- Soluble TGFalpha, processed by TACE, is essential for normal mammalian development.
- Protein ectodomain shedding is a vital biological process with broad physiological implications.
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