TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK, TNFSF12) is a member of the TNF superfamily of structurally related cytokines. The human TWEAK gene encodes a 249-amino acid type II transmembrane glycoprotein (30 kD). TWEAK may be expressed as a full-length, membrane-bound protein and as a 156-amino acid, 18-kD soluble protein, (sTWEAK) that results from proteolysis of TWEAK. TWEAK gene is expressed in many tissues, including brain, kidney, heart, arterial wall, monocytes and macrophages. Reduced soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) plasma levels have been reported both in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD).