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Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as eotaxin. CCL11 selectively recruits eosinophils by inducing their chemotaxis, and therefore, is implicated in allergic responses. The effects of CCL11 are mediated by its binding to a G-protein-linked receptor known as a chemokine receptor. Chemokine receptors for which CCL11 is a ligand include CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. The gene for human CCL11 (scya11) is encoded on three exons and is located on chromosome 17.

Stem cell factor / KIT ligand (SCF) is a cytokine which binds CD117(c-Kit). SCF is also known as "steel factor" or "c-kit ligand". SCF exists in two forms, cell surface bound SCF and soluble (or free) SCF. Soluble SCF is produced by the cleavage of surface bound SCF by metalloproteases.
SCF is a growth factor important for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and other hematopoietic progenitor cells. One of its roles is to change the BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid) cells, which are the earliest erythrocyte precursors in the erythrocytic series, into the CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid).

Agouti-related protein is an endogenous antagonist of hypothalamic alpha-melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R with potent orexigenic activity. Although a complete deletion of the AGRP gene does not produce any significant metabolic phenotypes, reduction in AGRP expression by RNA interference is associated with increased metabolic rate along with reduced weight gain. In hypothalamus, it is produced by neurons in the medial portion of arcuate nucleus, which produce also the potent orexigenic peptide Neuropeptide Y (NP-Y). Another site of central AGRP production is the hypothalamic nucleus. AGRP encompasses 132 amino acid residues and its alpha-melanocortin inhibiting activity results in a 34 amino acid cystine knot domain within the C-terminal (87-132) portion of the protein. Both AGRP and NP-Y expression was shown to be suppressed by leptin. Central administration of AGRP induces hyperphagia and increased gain in body weight in rodents, but may also exert metabolic effects even when hyperphagia is prevented. In the absence of hyperphagia, intracerebralventricular administration of AGRP caused significant increases in plasma leptin and insulin concentrations (twofold and 1.5-fold, respectively) and fat pad mass.
In the periphery, AGRP mRNA was found in adrenal glands, lung, testis, ovary, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in humans or rodents. In the adrenals, it was shown that AGRP antagonizes glucosteroid production mediated by MC4R. AGRP could then modulate locally the functions of some peripheral tissues such as adrenals.
In human and rat serum, detectable levels of AGRP-like activity were reported in the lower picogram range. The serum AGRP levels were elevated in obese humans compared to lean controls and increased with fasting in rats.

DBR1 is an RNA lariat debranching enzyme which hydrolyzes 2'-5' prime branched phosphodiester bonds. The encoded protein specifically targets the bonds at the branch point of eliminated lariat intron RNA, transforming them to linear molecules which are then degraded. Additionally, DBR1 takes part in retroviral replication.

NCALD belongs to the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family. NCALD is cytosolic at inactive calcium levels; but, high intracellular calcium levels induce a conformational transformation which exposes the myristoyl group, causing protein association with membranes and partial co-localization with the perinuclear trans-golgi network. NCALD protein is a regulator of signal transduction by G protein-coupled receptor.

Sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a beta-globulin which specifically binds steroid hormones; it is involved in the transport of sex steroids in plasma. The main site of SHBG synthesis is assumed to be the hepatocytes. The production of SHBG is regulated by androgen/estrogen balance, thyroid hormones, and dietary factors, among others. The concentration of SHBG is a key factor regulating their distribution between protein-bound and free states. SHBG concentration determination is primarily significant in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism and it allows detection of women with hirsutism who are likely to react to estrogen therapy. Testosterone/SHBG-ratios correlate well with both measured and calculated values for free testosterone thus aid to distinguish between subjects with excessive androgen activity and normal individuals. SHBG gene polymorphisms are linked with polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ARL2 is a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family. ARL2 functions as a component of a secretory pathway which is involved in the Ca2-dependent release of acetylcholine. ARL2 has a role in the folding of tubule proteins, thus playing a significant role in microtubule dynamics and cell cycle progression. Unlike other members of the ARF family, ARL2 doesn’t act as an activator of the catalytic subunit of cholera toxin.

Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-(Y)-Phosphorylation Regulated 1A (DYRK1A) belongs to the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase (DYRK) family. DYRK1A includes a nuclear targeting signal sequence, a leucine zipper motif and a protein kinase domain. DYRK1A catalyzes its autophosphorylation on serine/threonine and tyrosine residues and takes part in a signaling pathway regulating cell proliferation. DYRK1A has a substrate preference for proline at position P+1 and arginine at position P-3.

N-acetylneuraminate lyase (NPL) is an enzyme which catalyzes the chemical reaction (N-acetylneuraminate ->N-acetyl-D-mannosamine + pyruvate). NPL is a member of a family of lyases, specifically the oxo-acid-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds. NPL participates in amino sugars metabolism.

ENO1 is a homodimeric soluble protein that encodes a smaller monomeric structural lens protein, tau-crystallin. ENO1 is a glycolytic enzyme expressed in mainly all tissues. ENO1 isoenzyme full length protein is found in the cytoplasm. The shorter protein is formed from another translation start that is restricted to the nucleus, and binds to a component in the c-myc promoter. ENO1 is involved in anaerobic metabolism under hypoxic conditions and plays a role as a cell surface plasminogen receptor during tissue invasion. Irregular expression of Enolase-1 is linked with tumor progression in several cases of breast and lung cancer. Enolase-1 is as an auto antigen associated with Hashimoto's encephalopathy and severe asthma. ENO1 is the target protein of serum anti-endothelial antibody in Behcet's disease.

Interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL13RA1) is a subunit of the interleukin 13 receptor. The IL13RA1 subunit forms a receptor complex with IL4 receptor alpha, which is a subunit shared by IL13 and IL4 receptors. IL13RA1 binds tyrosine kinase TYK2, and thus may mediate the signaling processes which leads to the activation of JAK1, STAT3 and STAT6 induced by IL13 and IL4. IL13RA1 is vital for allergen-induced airway hyperactivity and mucus hypersecretion.

Polymerase (RNA) III (DNA directed) Polypeptide H(POLR3H) is a member of the eukaryotic RPB7/RPC8 RNA polymerase subunit family. POLR3H is DNA-dependent RNA polymerase which catalyzes the transcription of DNA into RNA utilizing the 4 ribonucleoside triphosphates as substrates. POLR3H has a central role in sensing and curbing infection by intracellular bacteria and DNA viruses. POLR3H functions as nuclear and cytosolic DNA sensor which is involved in innate immune response.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mice with experimentally induced allergic pulmonary inflammation contains a novel 9.4 kDa cysteine-rich secreted protein, RELM-alpha (FIZZ1, found in inflammatory zone). RELM-alpha is a secreted protein that has a restricted tissue distribution with highest levels in adipose tissue stroma. Murine RELM-alpha (FIZZ1) is the founding member of a new gene family including two other murine genes expressed, respectively, in intestinal crypt epithelium (RELM-beta) and white adipose tissue (Resistin), and two related human genes.
RELMalpha inhibits the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes but has no effect on proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. RELMalpha is able to form heterooligomers with resistin but not RELMbeta. Since RELMalpha is expressed by adipose tissue and it is a secreted factor, our findings suggest that RELMalpha may be involved in the control of the adipogenesis as well as in the process of muscle differentiation.
In the lung, RELM-alpha is induced by hypoxia and was renamed as hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF). HIMF strongly activated Akt phosphorylation. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 (10 micromol/L) inhibited HIMF-activated Akt phosphorylation. It also inhibited HIMF stimulated RPSM proliferation. Thus, the PI3K/Akt pathway, at least in part, mediates the proliferative effect of HIMF. Further studies showed that HIMF had angiogenic and vasoconstrictive properties. HIMF increased pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance. Further studies suggest that HIMF regulates apoptosis and may participate in lung alveolarization and maturation.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mice with experimentally induced allergic pulmonary inflammation contains a novel 9.4 kDa cysteine-rich secreted protein, RELM-alpha (FIZZ1, found in inflammatory zone). RELM-alpha is a secreted protein that has a restricted tissue distribution with highest levels in adipose tissue stroma. Murine RELM-alpha (FIZZ1) is the founding member of a new gene family including two other murine genes expressed, respectively, in intestinal crypt epithelium (RELM-beta) and white adipose tissue (Resistin), and two related human genes.
RELMalpha inhibits the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes but has no effect on proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. RELMalpha is able to form heterooligomers with resistin but not RELMbeta. Since RELMalpha is expressed by adipose tissue and it is a secreted factor, our findings suggest that RELMalpha may be involved in the control of the adipogenesis as well as in the process of muscle differentiation.
In the lung, RELM-alpha is induced by hypoxia and was renamed as hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF). HIMF strongly activated Akt phosphorylation. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 (10 micromol/L) inhibited HIMF-activated Akt phosphorylation. It also inhibited HIMFstimulated RPSM proliferation. Thus, the PI3K/Akt pathway, at least in part, mediates the proliferative effect of HIMF. Further studies showed that HIMF had angiogenic and vasoconstrictive properties. HIMF increased pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance. Further studies suggest that HIMF regulates apoptosis and may participate in lung alveolarization and maturation.

RGS1 belongs to the regulator of G-protein signaling family. The RGS1 protein is situated on the cytosolic side of the plasma membrane and contains a conserved, 120 amino acid motif termed the RGS domain. RGS1 diminish s the signaling activity of G-proteins by binding to activated, GTP-bound G alpha subunits and performing as a GTPase activating protein (GAP), boosting the rate of conversion of the GTP to GDP. This hydrolysis allows the G alpha subunits to bind G beta/gamma subunit heterodimers, creating inactive G-protein heterotrimers, thus terminating the signal.

Prorelaxin H2 (RLN2) is a member of a family which is produced by the ovary, targets the mammalian reproductive system to ripen the cervix, elongate the pubic symphysis and inhibit uterine contraction. It may also have other roles in boosting sperm motility, regulating blood pressure, controlling heart rate and releasing vasopressin. RLN2 is a peptide hormone linked to several therapeutically relevant physiological effects, including regulation of collagen metabolism and multiple vascular control pathways. The active form of the RLN2 protein consists of an A chain and a B chain linked by disulfide bonds.

RND1 is a Rho-related GTPases that form a separate branch of the Rho family, since they are different in charge, size, and biochemical properties. RND1 is found in the activated GTP-bound form and performs as a negative regulator of actin assembly and of cell adhesion. RND1 assists in regulation of the organization of the actin cytoskeleton as a reaction to extracellular growth factors.

Nucleolin (NCL) which is a eukaryotic nucleolar phosphoprotein, involved in the synthesis and maturation of ribosomes. Nucleolin is the key nucleolar protein of growing eukaryotic cells. NCL is found linked with intranucleolar chromatin and pre-ribosomal particles. NCL induces chromatin decondensation by binding to histone H1. Nucleolin is assumed to have a role in pre-rRNA transcription and ribosome compilation. Nucleolin may also have a role in the process of transcriptional elongation. Nucleolin is located primarily in the dense fibrillar regions of the nucleolus. The Human NCL gene consists of 14 exons with 13 introns and spans approximately 11kb.

EFNB1 is a member of the Eph family. The cell-surface proteins Ephrins split into two groups, ephrin-A and ephrin-B, based on their structure and function and perform as ligands for Eph receptors. The transmembrane EFNB1 proteins have conserved cytoplasmic tyrosine residues that are phosphorylated upon interaction with an EphB receptor. In addition, EFNB1 transduces outside-in signals by C-terminal protein interfaces which influence integrin-mediated cell attachment and migration.

SKP1 is a F-box enzyme which functions as a substrate recognition component of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex which controls the ubiquitination of proteins involved in cell cycle progression, signal transduction and transcription. SKP1 binds to proteins containing an F-box motif, such as cyclin F, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2, and other regulatory proteins involved in ubiquitin dependent proteolysis. SKP1 takes part in the control of beta-catenin levels and the activity of beta-catenin dependent TCF transcription factors. SKP1 serves as an adapter that links the F-box protein to CUL1 in the SCF complex.

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 1 (CCL1) is a small glycoprotein secreted by activated T cells that belongs to a family inflammatory cytokines known as chemokines. CCL1 attracts monocytes, NK cells, and immature B cells and dendritic cells by interacting with a cell surface chemokine receptor called CCR8. This chemokine resides in a large cluster of CC chemokines on human chromosome 17.

ANXA1 is part of the family of Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding proteins which have a Mw between 35kDa-40kDa and are situated on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. ANXA1 protein has a Mw of 40kDa, with phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity to bind from two to four calcium ions with high affinity. Since phospholipase A2 is necessary for the biosynthesis of the potent mediators of inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, ANXA1 might have potential anti-inflammatory activity. ANXA1 promotes membrane fusion and iplays a role in exocytosis. The recognition of ANXA1 protein by immunocytochemical leads a simple, highly sensitive and specific assay for diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia.

Thrombopoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced mainly by the liver and the kidney which regulates the production of platelets by the bone marrow. TPO stimulates the production as well as differentiation of megakaryocytes, the bone marrow cells which fragment into large numbers of platelets.