Tetraspanin-7 (TSPAN7)

Tetraspanin-7 (TSPAN7) is an integral membrane protein belonging to the tetraspanin (transmembrane 4 superfamily) family, characterized by four transmembrane domains and localization at the cell surface. TSPAN7 regulates various biological processes, including cytoskeletal remodeling, cellular adhesion and motility, and signal transduction related to cell development and activation. It plays a critical role in the central nervous system, where it is essential for dendritic spine formation, synaptic maturation, AMPA receptor trafficking, and excitatory synaptic plasticity. Mutations in the gene encoding TSPAN7 (TM4SF2) are causally linked to X-linked intellectual disability, and aberrant expression is associated with several cancers and bone pathologies. TSPAN7 interacts with integrin β1, PICK1, and AMPA receptors, organizing signaling complexes that are crucial for neuronal function and bone resorption activity in osteoclasts. There are currently no approved drugs specifically targeting TSPAN7, but its downstream pathways are under experimental investigation for therapeutic potential.

Other names

TSPAN7TM4SF2DXS1692EMXS1A15CD231Tspan-7TALLA-1cell surface glycoprotein A15membrane component chromosome X surface marker 1T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigen 1transmembrane 4 superfamily member 2transmembrane 4 superfamily 2btetraspanin proteintransmembrane protein A15CCG-B7XLID58MRX58

For experimental drugs or compounds: modulation of AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity, primarily indirectly via TSPAN7-dependent regulation of synaptic protein complexes (e.g., PICK1–AMPAR interaction)