FATA

FAT4

FAT4 is a member of the FAT family of cadherins, which are large proteins that play crucial roles in cell adhesion, signaling, and the maintenance of tissue architecture. The FAT family is named after the Drosophila gene "fat," which was the first of these genes to be discovered. FAT4, in particular, has been implicated in various biological processes and diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders.

Structure

FAT4 is a transmembrane protein characterized by its large extracellular domain, which contains multiple cadherin repeats. These repeats are responsible for mediating cell-cell adhesion. The intracellular domain of FAT4 interacts with various signaling molecules, influencing pathways that regulate cell proliferation, migration, and polarity.

Function

FAT4 is involved in the regulation of planar cell polarity (PCP), a process that coordinates the orientation of cells within the plane of a tissue. This is crucial for the proper development of structures such as the neural tube and the cochlea. FAT4 also plays a role in the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Role in Development

During embryonic development, FAT4 is essential for the proper formation of various organs and tissues. Mutations in the FAT4 gene can lead to developmental disorders such as Van Maldergem syndrome, which is characterized by craniofacial abnormalities, intellectual disability, and limb defects.

Role in Cancer

FAT4 has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in several types of cancer. Loss of FAT4 expression or function can lead to increased cell proliferation and tumor growth. Studies have shown that FAT4 mutations or downregulation are associated with poor prognosis in cancers such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Clinical Significance

Given its role in development and cancer, FAT4 is a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which FAT4 regulates cell behavior could lead to new strategies for treating diseases associated with its dysfunction.

Research Directions

Current research on FAT4 focuses on elucidating its precise molecular interactions and pathways. There is also interest in developing drugs that can modulate FAT4 activity, either by restoring its function in cases where it is lost or by inhibiting its activity in contexts where it is aberrantly activated.

Also see

• Cadherin
• Planar cell polarity
• Hippo signaling pathway
• Van Maldergem syndrome
• Tumor suppressor gene