Extracellular proteases mediate the digestion of neighboring extracellular matrix components in initial tumor growth, allow desquamation of tumor cells into the surrounding environment, provide the basis for invasion of basement membranes in targeted metastatic organs and are required for release and activation of many growth and angiogenic factors (1,2). The TMPRSS2 gene encodes a 492 amino acid multimeric serine protease, which is mainly expressed in the mouse prostate and kidney, and is

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation and the widespread development of distinctive tumors termed hamartomas. Two different genetic loci have been linked to TSC; one of these loci, the tuberous sclerosis-2 gene (TSC2), encodes a protein called tuberin and the other loci, tuberous sclerosis-1 gene (TSC1), encodes a protein called hamartin. Tuberin and hamartin interact with each other forming a cystoplasmic complex. Hama

This gene encodes a protein kinase activated by double-stranded RNA which mediates the effects of interferon in response to viral infection. Mutations in this gene have been associated with dystonia. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2008

Galactosidase alpha is involved in the hydrolysis of terminal, non reducing alpha D galactose residues in alpha D galactosides, including galactose oligosaccharides, galactomannans and galactohydrolase. Defects in GLA are the cause of Fabry's disease (FD). FD is a rare X-linked sphingolipidosis disease where glycolipid accumulates in many tissues. Clinical recognition in males results from characteristic skin lesions (angiokeratomas) over the lower trunk. Patients may show ocular deposits, fe

Inhibits TNF-induced apoptosis by mediating the TNFAIP3 anti-apoptotic activity. Degraded by caspase-3-like family proteins upon TNF-induced apoptosis. May also play a role in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 signaling cascade.