ZFP36

Tristetraprolin (TTP), also known as zinc finger protein 36 homolog (ZFP36), is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans, mice and rats is encoded by the ZFP36 is_associated_with::gene. It is a member of the TIS11 (TPA-induced sequence) family, along with butyrate response factors 1 and 2.

TTP binds to is_associated_with::AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mRNAs of some is_associated_with::cytokines and promotes their degradation. For example, TTP is a component of a negative feedback loop that interferes with TNF-alpha production by destabilizing its mRNA. Mice deficient in TTP develop a complex syndrome of inflammatory diseases.

Interactions
ZFP36 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::14-3-3 protein family members, such as is_associated_with::YWHAH, and with is_associated_with::NUP214, a member of the is_associated_with::nuclear pore complex.

Regulation
Post-transcriptionally, TTP is regulated in several ways. The is_associated_with::subcellular localization of TTP is influenced by interactions with protein partners such as the 14-3-3 family of proteins. These interactions and, possibly, interactions with target mRNAs are affected by the phosphorylation state of TTP, as the protein can be posttranslationally modified by a large number of is_associated_with::protein kinases. There is some evidence that the TTP transcript may also be targeted by is_associated_with::microRNAs, such as miR-29a.