Research Progress on TM4SF Members and Tumors
YU Siwei, WANG Hongxia*
Tetraspanins, also known as the TM4SF (transmembrane 4 superfamily), contain 33 family members. They regulate a series of biological processes, such as cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and immune response, by forming dimers or heterodimers, or interacting with other protein molecules, including integrin, adhesion molecules, MHC class II antigens and T cell receptors. Increasing studies have shown that some TM4SF members are closely related to tumorigenesis and development, playing critical roles in cancer cell migration, epithelial mesenchymal transformation, thrombosis, stemness and tumor-derived exosomes. An in-depth understanding of the functions and underlying mechanisms of TM4SF in tumor progression will shed light on development of targeted interventions in the future.
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