PTEN (gene)

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a gene that encodes a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor. This protein is one of the most important cellular regulators of cell growth and division (proliferation), cell death (apoptosis), and protein synthesis.

Function[edit | edit source]

The PTEN protein acts as a phosphatase to remove a phosphate group from a molecule of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3). This action is critical for preventing cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the PTEN gene are associated with a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and endometrial cancer. These mutations often lead to a reduction or loss of PTEN protein function, resulting in increased cell proliferation and reduced cell death.

PTEN in research[edit | edit source]

PTEN is a major research focus in the field of cancer research. Understanding how PTEN mutations contribute to cancer development and progression can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Template:Genes on human chromosome 10

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD