Progress of TSPAN 12

The protein encoded by TSPAN12 is a member of the tetraspanin family.The tetraspanin protein family contains 33 mamalian members.Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are featured by specific conserved amino acids and specific structure,including 4 transmembrane hydrophobic domains.The proteins mediate signal transduction events that play a role in the regulation of cell development,activation,growth and motility.Its main binding partner is the ADAM 10 protein,and it also binds to the MT1-MMP metalloprotease protein,suggesting TSPAN 12 play an important role in tumor progression. Key words: TSPAN12 ;  ADAM10 ;  MT1-MMP ;  Invasion and metastasis