TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa-B activator is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TANK gene. The TRAF (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor) family of proteins associate with and transduce signals from members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The protein encoded by this gene is found in the cytoplasm and can bind to TRAF1, TRAF2, or TRAF3, thereby inhibiting TRAF function by sequestering the TRAFs in a latent state in the cytoplasm. For example, the protein encoded by this gene can block TRAF2 binding to LMP1, the Epstein-Barr virus transforming protein, and inhibit LMP1-mediated NF-kappa-B activation. Three alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq].
Acts as a regulator of TRAF function by maintaining them in a latent state. Overexpression inhibits TRAF2-mediated NF-kappa-B activation signaled by CD40, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Blocks TRAF2 binding to LMP1 and inhibits LMP1-mediated NF-kappa-B activation. May be involved in I-kappa-B-kinase (IKK) regulation; may function as an adapter for kinases such as TBK1 or IKBKE that can modulate IKK activity.