EDARADD Background Information
EDARADD (EDAR-associated death domain), also known as ectodysplasin-A receptor-associated adapter protein, ED3 or EDA3, is a 215 amino acid cytoplasmic adapter protein that links the death domain of EDAR (ectodysplasin A receptor), a protein required for development of ectodermal derivatives, to signaling pathways. Existing as two alternatively spliced isoforms, EDARADD is able to associate with itself, TRAF1, 2 and 3 and mediates NF˚B activation. EDARADD is expressed in epithelial cells during the formation of hair follicles and teeth, as well as in placenta, pancreas and fetal skin. Defects in the gene encoding EDARADD are the cause of a genetic disorder known as ectodermal dysplasia anhidrotic (EDA), which is characterized by deficits in the development of teeth, eccrine sweat glands and hair.
