TAZ (Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) (TAZ)

TAZ is a transcriptional co-activator that shares homology with Yes-associated protein (YAP) and contains a WW domain that binds to PPXY motifs present on transcription factors[1][3]. The protein functions by binding to transcription factors through its WW domain, specifically recognizing the optimal binding sequence Leu/Pro-Pro-Xxx-Tyr, similar to YAP[1][3]. TAZ activity is regulated by 14-3-3 proteins through phosphorylation of a single serine residue, which results in inhibition of transcriptional co-activation through 14-3-3-mediated nuclear export[1][2]. The C-terminus contains a highly conserved PDZ-binding motif that is essential for TAZ-stimulated gene transcription and localizes TAZ into discrete nuclear foci[1][2]. TAZ can interact with PDZ domain-containing proteins like NHERF-2, potentially linking plasma membrane and cytoskeletal events to nuclear transcription[1][2]. The protein demonstrates strong transcriptional co-activation activity, showing up to 12-fold increases in transactivation when co-expressed with appropriate transcription factors containing PPXY motifs[1][3]. TAZ mRNA is expressed at highest levels in the kidney, and the protein is detected at high levels in renal cell lines[1].

Other names

Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motifTAZ proteinWWTR1 (WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1)