Teneurin transmembrane protein 3 (TENM3)

Teneurin transmembrane protein 3 (TENM3) is a large, evolutionarily conserved type II transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the teneurin family, expressed in both vertebrates and invertebrates. TENM3 is prominently involved in the regulation of neural circuit formation, including axon pathfinding, synaptic organization in the motor and visual systems, and dendrite guidance. It acts largely as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule, facilitating connectivity and topographic mapping between neural structures, particularly in the thalamostriatal and retinogeniculate pathways. Mutations in TENM3 are linked to severe developmental disorders, most notably microphthalmia, coloboma, and developmental dysplasia of the hip; such mutations may disrupt neuronal projections, visual pathway innervation, and cartilage/bone development. The human TENM3 gene is expressed predominantly in neural and ocular tissues, and loss-of-function variants lead to severe ocular malformations, with some evidence pointing to broader neurodevelopmental or skeletal consequences. No approved drugs are currently known to target TENM3, and its critical developmental roles would pose safety concerns for any direct therapeutic modulation.

Other names

Teneurin-3Ten-m3ODZ3TNM3Ten-3Tenascin-M3KIAA1455ODZ3-like proteinprotein Odd Oz/ten-m homolog 3MCOPCB9MCOPS15TEN3testicular tissue protein Li 195