PTEN

PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PTEN gene. Mutations of this gene are a step in the development of many cancers.

Function

PTEN is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle. It is able to regulate cell cycle progression and cell survival by dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3), an activator of AKT.

Clinical significance

Mutations in this gene have been associated with Cowden syndrome, Lhermitte-Duclos disease, and other cancers. PTEN mutation also causes a variety of inherited predispositions to cancer.

See also

• Tumor suppressor gene
• Oncogene

External links

• PTEN at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)