Tectonic family member 2 (TCTN2)

Tectonic family member 2 (TCTN2) is a type I transmembrane protein localized at the ciliary transition zone, where it forms part of a multiprotein barrier complex essential for ciliogenesis and signal transduction, specifically regulating Hedgehog and Wnt pathways[1][2]. TCTN2 is necessary for ciliary function and organ development; disruptions cause ciliopathies including Meckel syndrome type 8 and Joubert syndrome 24, characterized by developmental, neurological, and renal abnormalities[2][3]. In cancer, TCTN2 is upregulated and acts as an oncogene, promoting anchorage-independent growth, invasiveness, suppressing apoptosis, and enhancing cilia formation in various tumor types[1]. Downregulation of TCTN2 impairs cilia assembly, reduces proliferation, and sensitizes to apoptosis in cancer cells, supporting its exploration as a cancer therapeutic target and potential biomarker[1]. No direct drug modulators are currently reported; epigenetic editing of TCTN2 expression has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical studies[1].

Other names

Tectonic-2C12orf38TECT2FLJ12975MKS8JBTS24Meckel syndrome type 8