Tankyrase

Tankyrase is a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular processes, particularly in the regulation of telomeres and Wnt signaling. These enzymes are poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and are characterized by their ability to add long chains of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) to target proteins. Tankyrases are involved in stabilizing telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, by interacting with proteins like TRF1 and TRF2. This stabilization is essential for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing premature cellular aging.

Beyond telomere maintenance, tankyrases are key regulators of the Wnt signaling pathway, a critical pathway involved in embryonic development, cell proliferation, and differentiation. They achieve this by targeting and promoting the degradation of key scaffolding proteins within the Wnt pathway, such as Axin. By modulating Axin levels, tankyrases can influence the activation or repression of Wnt target genes.

Dysregulation of tankyrase activity has been implicated in various diseases, most notably cancer. Aberrant tankyrase function can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and the maintenance of telomere length in cancer cells, which is often necessary for their immortality. Consequently, tankyrases have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Inhibitors of tankyrase are being investigated for their potential to disrupt cancer cell proliferation and induce cell death. The precise mechanisms by which tankyrases function and their broader roles in cellular biology continue to be areas of active research.