TNS1: Emerging Insights into Its Domain Function, Biological Roles, and Tumors

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Tensin1 is a member of the tensin family, and tensins are adherent spot components. We summarize the role of tensin1 in various biological processes, such as cell adhesion, polarization, migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and mechano-transduction, through the available literature. Tensin1 is expressed in a variety of tissues, and the abnormal expression of tensin1 has been found in a variety of diseases; interestingly, we find that tensin1 plays a dual role in different types of tumors. We believe that these findings are important for future studies on the role of tensin1 in tumors. ABSTRACT: Tensins are a family of cellular-adhesion constituents that have been extensively studied. They have instrumental roles in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The mammalian tensin family comprises four members: tensin1 (TNS1), tensin2, tensin3, and tensin4. Among them, TNS1 has recently received attention from researchers because of its structural properties. TNS1 engages in various biological processes, such as cell adhesion, polarization, migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and mechano-transduction, by interacting with various partner proteins. Moreover, the abnormal expression of TNS1 in vivo is associated with the development of various diseases, especially tumors. Interestingly, the role of TNS1 in different tumors is still controversial. Here, we systematically summarize three aspects of TNS1: the gene structure, the biological processes underlying its action, and the dual regulatory role of TNS1 in different tumors through different mechanisms, of which we provide the first overview.