Tagln, also named transgelin or SM22, is an actin-associated protein that affects the dynamics of actin filaments [2]. It can cross-link and gel actin, and is involved in multiple signaling pathways such as RhoA/ROCK [1,4]. It bridges the mechanical environment of tissues and cellular metabolism, playing an important role in various biological processes and diseases [4]. Genetic models are valuable for studying its function in vivo.

In ovarian cancer, Tagln was identified as a mechanosensitive gene. Matrix stiffness could regulate ovarian cancer progression, and Tagln mediated this process through the RhoA/ROCK pathway, indicating that targeting Tagln might have clinical therapeutic value for ovarian cancer therapy [1].

In prostate cancer, TRAF6-mediated proteasomal degradation downregulated Tagln. Ablation of Tagln promoted cell proliferation and suppressed migration via activation of NF-κB and Myc signaling pathways [2].

In endometriosis, Fusobacterium infection led to the transition of endometrial fibroblasts to Tagln-positive myofibroblasts, facilitating the development of endometriosis [3].

In skin fibrosis, the TAGLN-RhoA/ROCK2-SLC2A3-mediated mechano-metabolic axis was found to promote skin fibrosis, and downregulation of Tagln inhibited fibroblast motility and secretory function [4].

In colorectal cancer, the interaction between Tagln and HMGA2 was involved in TGF-β-induced cell migration and promotion of colon cancer cells [5].

In UV-induced skin photoaging, the interaction of Tagln and USP1 promoted ZEB1 ubiquitination degradation [6].

In glioblastoma, Tagln promoted cancer stem cell survival in hypoxia through regulating HIF1α transcription and p53 acetylation [7].

In colorectal carcinoma, Tagln suppressed cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis [8].

In conclusion, Tagln is an important gene with diverse functions in multiple biological processes and diseases. Model-based research, especially gene knockout or conditional knockout mouse models if applicable, has revealed its role in ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, skin fibrosis, colorectal cancer, skin photoaging, glioblastoma, and colorectal carcinoma. Understanding Tagln's functions provides potential targets for treating these diseases.