The role of TRADD in death receptor signaling

TRADD (TNFR1-associated death domain protein) was initially identified as an adaptor molecule that transduces the signal downstream of the TNFR1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1). TNFR1 belongs to the so-called death receptor (DR) family of receptors that, depending on the context, can induce either apoptosis or proliferation, as well as NF kappa B and MAP kinase activation. The receptors of this group contain death domain (DD), which is necessary for the induction of apoptosis. This review summarizes the recent advances in the field of DR signaling and in particular the role of TRADD.