Biology:Ectodysplasin A

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Short description: Protein-coding gene in humans


A representation of the 3D structure of the protein myoglobin showing turquoise α-helices.
Generic protein structure example

Ectodysplasin A (EDA) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EDA gene.

Ectodysplasin A is a transmembrane protein of the TNF family which plays an important role in the development of ectodermal tissues such as skin in humans.[1][2] It is recognized by the ectodysplasin A receptor.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a type II membrane protein that can be cleaved by furin to produce a secreted form. The encoded protein, which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family, acts as a homotrimer and may be involved in cell-cell signaling during the development of ectodermal organs. Along with c-Met, it has been shown to be involved in the differentiation of anatomical placodes, precursors of scales, feathers and hair follicles in vertebrates.[3] Defects in this gene are a cause of ectodermal dysplasia, anhidrotic, which is also known as X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Several transcript variants encoding many different isoforms have been found for this gene.[2] At least 61 disease-causing mutations in this gene have been discovered.[4]

References

Further reading