Tetraspanin 14 (TSPAN14)

Tetraspanin 14 (TSPAN14) is a small, highly conserved transmembrane protein, part of the tetraspanin superfamily, typically found at the plasma membrane and within endocytic membranes[2][4][5]. It contains four hydrophobic transmembrane domains, two extracellular loops (one large and one small), and short cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal tails[3][4]. TSPAN14 belongs to the TspanC8 subgroup, which regulates the maturation, trafficking, and substrate specificity of the metalloprotease ADAM10, a key enzyme in Notch signaling and cellular homeostasis[2][5]. Alterations in TSPAN14 have been observed in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting its potential role in tumorigenesis and as an early biomarker for cancer[1]. The tetraspanin family, including TSPAN14, is involved in cell proliferation, motility, invasion, apoptosis, differentiation, and immune regulation[3][4][5]. Therapeutic targeting of tetraspanins remains largely preclinical, but their critical roles in membrane organization and signal transduction make them attractive candidates for drug development. If further specified roles or interactions are needed (e.g. experimentally validated drug inhibitors or more granular disease links), dedicated functional or pharmacological studies and databases should be consulted for up-to-date information.

Other names

TSPAN14Tetraspanin-14TM4SF14Tspan-14DC-TM4F2MGC11352Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 14tetraspanin similar to TM4SF9

Modulation of protease activity (esp. ADAM10 maturation and substrate selectivity) Regulation of Notch signaling through control of ADAM10 localization and function