TRAF1 Gene: Function, Expression, and Disease Associations | Biomedical Reference

TRAF1 (TNF receptor-associated factor 1) encodes a member of the TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) protein family. TRAF proteins are adaptor proteins that regulate signal transduction from various TNF receptor superfamily members and Toll-like receptors. TRAF1 is unique among TRAFs as it lacks the N-terminal RING finger domain and instead contains a single zinc finger domain. It interacts with TRAF2 to form heterodimeric complexes that modulate NF-kappa-B and JNK signaling pathways. TRAF1 is primarily expressed in spleen, thymus, and activated lymphocytes, and plays a role in the regulation of apoptosis and inflammation. It is also involved in the immune response to viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• TNF signaling pathway (KEGG: hsa04668)

• NF-kappa B signaling pathway (KEGG: hsa04064)

• Toll-like receptor signaling pathway (KEGG: hsa04620)

• RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway (KEGG: hsa04622)

• Apoptosis (KEGG: hsa04210)

TRAF1 is a 45 kDa protein composed of 416 amino acids. It contains a C-terminal TRAF domain that mediates self-association and interaction with receptors, and a single N-terminal zinc finger domain. Unlike other TRAFs, it lacks a RING finger domain, making it catalytically inactive as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. TRAF1 forms heterodimers with TRAF2, modulating the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules such as IKK and JNK. It is predominantly expressed in lymphoid tissues and is induced by NF-kappa-B activation. TRAF1 plays a dual role in apoptosis: it can inhibit TNF-induced apoptosis by promoting NF-kappa-B survival signals, but also can promote apoptosis in certain contexts. Its expression is upregulated in various cancers and inflammatory diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target.