TNFSF10

TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), also known as APO-2 ligand, is a type II transmembrane protein with a carboxy-terminal extracellular domain which exhibits homology to other TNF family members. In the new TNF superfamily nomenclature, TRAIL is referred to as TNFSF10. Human TRAIL cDNA encodes a 281 amino acid (aa) residue protein with an amino-terminal intracellular domain of 17 residues and a predicted internal hydrophobic domain between residues 18 and 38. The extracellular carboxy-terminal domain contains a potential N-linked glycosylation site at amino acid residue 109. Among TNF family members, TRAIL is most homologous to FAS ligand, sharing 28% amino acid sequence identity in their extracellular domains. Mouse TRAIL has also been cloned. Both membrane bound and soluble TRAIL have been shown to induce rapid apoptosis of many transformed cell lines. Like most TNF family members, the bioactive TRAIL exists as a homotrimer