CTEN

CTEN, short for C-terminal tensin-like, is a gene in humans that encodes the cytoskeletal protein CTEN, also known as tensin-4. It is a member of the tensin family of focal adhesion proteins and localizes to focal adhesions, the complexes that connect the cell’s cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and participate in signaling.

CTEN is implicated in linking the actin cytoskeleton to adhesion sites and in signaling pathways that regulate cell adhesion, shape, and migration. Its expression is relatively restricted in normal tissues, but it can be upregulated in certain diseases. In cancer research, higher CTEN levels have been observed in some tumor types and have been associated with changes in cell motility and invasive potential in various studies. However, the exact role of CTEN in tumor biology appears to be context-dependent and remains an active area of investigation.

In addition to its biological meaning, CTEN is an acronym used in other contexts to denote different organizations, networks, or projects, depending on the field. When encountered outside biology, the intended referent should be clarified from context.