Recombinant Proteins
Product List
PTEN Human, His
Phosphatase and Tensin homolog Human Recombinant, His Tag
The PTEN is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes a protein with dual-specificity phosphatase activity. PTEN is classified as a lipid phosphatase, primarily dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) to phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2). This action negatively regulates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell growth, proliferation, and survival.
Key Biological Properties: PTEN is a 403-amino acid protein with a phosphatase domain and a C2 domain that targets it to the cell membrane. It has both lipid and protein phosphatase activities.
Expression Patterns: PTEN is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with higher expression levels in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles.
Tissue Distribution: PTEN is found in almost all tissues, including the brain, liver, kidney, and lungs. Its expression is tightly regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis.
Primary Biological Functions: PTEN plays a critical role in regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cell migration. It acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby preventing uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.
Role in Immune Responses: PTEN modulates immune responses by regulating the activation and function of immune cells, including T cells and macrophages. It helps maintain immune homeostasis and prevents excessive inflammation.
Pathogen Recognition: PTEN is involved in the recognition and response to pathogens by modulating signaling pathways that control immune cell activation and cytokine production.
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: PTEN interacts with various proteins and lipids to exert its functions. It dephosphorylates PIP3, leading to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. PTEN also interacts with proteins such as p53, regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Binding Partners: PTEN binds to several proteins, including MAGI2, NHERF1, and PDZ domain-containing proteins, which help localize it to specific cellular compartments and modulate its activity.
Downstream Signaling Cascades: PTEN negatively regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to decreased cell survival and proliferation. It also influences other signaling pathways, such as the MAPK pathway, by modulating the activity of key signaling molecules.
Regulatory Mechanisms that Control Expression and Activity: PTEN expression and activity are tightly regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms.
Transcriptional Regulation: PTEN transcription is regulated by various transcription factors, including p53, EGR1, and NF-κB. These factors bind to the PTEN promoter and modulate its expression in response to cellular signals.
Post-Translational Modifications: PTEN undergoes several post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, which influence its stability, localization, and activity. For example, phosphorylation of PTEN at specific residues can inhibit its phosphatase activity and promote its degradation.
Biomedical Research: PTEN is extensively studied in cancer research due to its role as a tumor suppressor. Understanding PTEN’s functions and regulatory mechanisms can provide insights into cancer development and progression.
Diagnostic Tools: PTEN mutations and alterations are used as biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating various cancers, including breast, prostate, and glioblastoma.
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting PTEN pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Restoring PTEN function or inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway can help control tumor growth and improve patient outcomes.
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: PTEN plays a crucial role in various stages of the life cycle, from development to aging and disease.
Development: PTEN is essential for embryonic development, as it regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. PTEN knockout mice exhibit embryonic lethality, highlighting its importance in development.
Aging: PTEN activity influences aging processes by regulating cellular senescence and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Reduced PTEN activity is associated with age-related diseases and conditions.
Disease: PTEN mutations and dysregulation are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and metabolic diseases. Understanding PTEN’s role in these conditions can aid in developing targeted therapies.
