TNFRSF12A was
initially identified as a fibroblast growth factor-1-inducible gene in murine
NIH 3T3 cells, and was named as fibroblast growth factor-inducible-14 (Fn14)
gene. Human TNFRSF12A was cloned from
a HUVEC cDNA library and identified as the TWEAK receptor and a member of the
TNFR family. TNFRSF12A is highly expressed in heart, placenta and kidney.
TNFRSF12A / FN14 promotes angiogenesis and the proliferation of endothelial
cells. TNFRSF12A and its ligand play a key role in muscle atrophy, cerebral
ischemia, kidney injury, atherosclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.