TEAD proteins require cofactors to induce the transcription of target genes. TEAD1 interacts with PARP (
poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) to regulate smooth muscle α-actin expression. PARP can also ADP-ribosylate the TEAD proteins and make the chromatin context favorable to transcription through histone modification, SRF (Serum response factor) and TEAD1 together regulate gene expression. TEAD proteins and MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) interact physically. The binding of MEF2 on DNA induces and potentiates TEAD1 recruitment at MCAT sequences that are adjacent to MEF2 binding sites. This recruitment leads to the repression of the MLC2v (Myosin Light Chain 2 v) and βMHC ( β-myosin heavy chain ) promoter. TEAD1 and the phosphoprotein MAX interact in vivo and in vitro. Once this complex is formed, these two proteins can regulate the alpha-myosin heavy chain (α-MHC) gene expression. The four Vestigial-like (VGLL) proteins are able to interact with all TEADs. The precise function of TEAD and VGLL interaction is still poorly understood. It has been shown that TEAD/VGLL1 complexes promote anchorage-independent cell proliferation in prostate cancer cell lines suggesting a role in cancer progression Moreover, VGLL2 interaction with TEAD1 activates muscle promoter upon C2C12 differentiation and enhances MyoD-mediated myogenic in 10T1/2. Finally the complex TEAD/VGLL4 acts as a default transcriptional repressor. The interaction between YAP (Yes Associated Protein 65),
TAZ, a transcriptional coactivator paralog to YAP, and all TEAD proteins was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. In both cases the interaction of the proteins leads to increased TEAD transcriptional activity. YAP/TAZ are effectors of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway that restricts organ growth by keeping in check cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in mammals and also in Drosophila. == Role in cancer ==