TEA domain family member protein (TEAD)

TEAD proteins are a highly conserved family of transcription factors, characterized by a DNA-binding domain called the TEA domain and a protein-binding domain for transcriptional co-activator association (e.g., YAP and TAZ). Four homologous TEAD genes exist in mammals (TEAD1–4). These proteins require co-activators for transcriptional activity and regulate genes essential for development, stem cell fate, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and organ formation. TEAD proteins are core effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, which is implicated in cancer progression, fibrosis, and cellular differentiation. TEAD activity is regulated by interaction with YAP/TAZ and other cofactors; inhibition of these interactions is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for cancer and other diseases. TEAD proteins are expressed widely in embryonic and some adult tissues, with specific isoforms showing tissue and developmental stage preference.

Other names

Transcriptional enhancer factor (TEF-1)Transcription factor 13 (TCF-13)ETFETEF-1TEF-4Scalloped (Drosophila)TEC-1 (yeast)ABAA (Aspergillus)egl-44 (C. elegans)

Drugs may inhibit YAP/TAZ-TEAD interaction, suppressing oncogenic transcription and cell proliferation. Modulation of transcriptional co-activator binding (YAP, TAZ, VGLL, p160 protein).