Tetraspanin-16 (TSPAN16)

Tetraspanin-16 (TSPAN16) is an integral membrane protein belonging to the tetraspanin superfamily, characterized by four transmembrane domains and unique conserved structural motifs—most notably a cysteine-rich large extracellular loop with a signature CCG motif essential for folding and partner specificity. TSPAN16 is part of a family that organizes membrane microdomains and mediates complex interactions with proteins including integrins, members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, extracellular enzymes, and signaling molecules. Tetraspanins, including TSPAN16, serve as molecular facilitators or scaffolding proteins, compartmentalizing partner proteins within the plasma membrane and influencing processes such as signal transduction, cellular adhesion, migration, and activation. While other tetraspanins are directly implicated in processes like viral infection, immune signaling, and cancer metastasis, the specific functions and disease associations of Tetraspanin-16 remain less defined in the literature, with research primarily focused on its expression profile and structural features. Tetraspanin-16 is recognized as an attractive but largely unexplored therapeutic target, with no current drugs or biomarkers validated for clinical use.

Other names

Tetraspanin-16TSPAN16TM4SF16Tspan-16TM4-BTM-8Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 16tetraspanin TM4-B

Not established for drug action (no approved or investigational drugs currently target Tetraspanin-16 directly)