TEA domain transcription factor 1, TEA domain transcription factor 3, and TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD1, TEAD3, TEAD4)

The TEAD transcription factor family comprises highly conserved DNA-binding proteins (TEAD1, TEAD3, TEAD4) that regulate gene expression via interaction with coactivators—primarily YAP and TAZ—in the Hippo signaling pathway. They control cell proliferation, differentiation, and organ size during development. In adult tissues, TEAD activity sustains stem cell populations and influences regeneration. Aberrant TEAD activity, often driven by dysregulated Hippo pathway, contributes to oncogenesis by promoting EMT, cellular proliferation, and survival. TEAD proteins interact with other signaling inputs, including TGF-β and SMADs, impacting fibrosis and cancer progression. Targeting the TEAD-YAP/TAZ interface is an emerging strategy in drug discovery, although direct pharmacological inhibition remains challenging due to the transcriptional nature of the proteins.

Other names

Transcription enhancer factor TEF-1TEF1Transcription enhancer factor TEF-5TEF5Transcription enhancer factor TEF-3TEF3

Inhibitors disrupt the TEAD-YAP/TAZ interaction, preventing the transcription of pro-growth and survival genes.