TAZ
Taz Gene: A Master Regulator of Cell Growth and Division
Description
The taz gene, also known as WWTR1 (WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1), encodes a transcriptional co-activator protein that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Taz is a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls organ size and tissue growth by inhibiting cell division and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of the taz gene has been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: Taz overexpression is frequently observed in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and liver cancer. It promotes tumorigenesis by activating oncogenic pathways and suppressing tumor suppressor genes.
- Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD): Mutations in the taz gene can cause PLD, an inherited disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the liver.
- Cardiomyopathy: Taz deficiency can lead to cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease that weakens the heart and impairs its ability to pump blood effectively.
- Barth Syndrome : Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TAZ gene. The TAZ gene provides instructions for making a protein called tafazzin, which is an enzyme located in the mitochondria (the energy-producing centers of cells). Tafazzin is involved in the remodeling of cardiolipin, a type of lipid essential for mitochondrial function.
Did you Know ?
In a study published in Nature Genetics, researchers found that individuals with a specific genetic variant in the taz gene had a 20% increased risk of developing breast cancer.
