Tetraspanin 5 (TSPAN5)

Tetraspanin 5 is a small integral membrane protein (22–39 kDa) characterized by four transmembrane domains, two extracellular loops (one large, one small), and short cytoplasmic tails. It serves as a molecular scaffold on the cell surface, mediating the assembly and trafficking of protein complexes, notably facilitating the maturation and cell-surface expression of the metalloprotease ADAM10, which is required for its proteolytic activity. Tetraspanins such as TSPAN5 influence signal transduction, cell adhesion, and migration by modulating partner protein localization and conformation. TSPAN5 is linked to cancer, neurological disease, and immunological functions, and its interaction with ADAM10 suggests therapeutic relevance in regulating protease activity in disease settings. Broadly, the tetraspanin family, including TSPAN5, is recognized for its plasticity in partner protein recognition and its structural role in curving local membrane regions.

Other names

TSN5Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 5TSPAN5Tetraspanin-5

Modulation/inhibition of ADAM10 enzymatic activity or substrate specificity by targeting TSPAN5 or its complex; Alteration of membrane organization to affect partner protein function (allosteric/structural regulation)