Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 5a (for Tankyrase 1) and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 5b (for Tankyrase 2) (TNKS1 (Tankyrase 1), TNKS2 (Tankyrase 2); also referenced as PARP5a and PARP5b)

Tankyrase 1 (TNKS1/PARP5a) and Tankyrase 2 (TNKS2/PARP5b) are closely related poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that play central roles in several cellular processes, including telomere maintenance, regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, protein degradation, mitotic spindle integrity, and DNA repair. These enzymes modify proteins via poly-ADP-ribosylation, marking them for ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Tankyrases interact with telomere-repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), target AXIN in Wnt signaling, and are implicated in controlling cell cycle progression and DNA double-strand break repair. Tankyrase function and polymerization are essential for proper cellular signaling and homeostasis, and these enzymes are being explored as therapeutic targets in cancer and other proliferative diseases due to their role in oncogenic signaling pathways.

Other names

TankyraseTNKS1 (PARP5a, ARTD5)TNKS2 (PARP5b, ARTD6)Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 5a/5bADP-ribosyltransferase diphtheria toxin-like 5/6

Inhibition of tankyrase catalytic activity (PARP domain); Preventing PARylation of AXIN and stabilization of the β-catenin destruction complex, thereby suppressing Wnt signaling; Blocking telomere maintenance or mitotic progression via impact on TRF1 and cell cycle proteins; Induction of cell apoptosis in cancer cells