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Meteorin (METRN) is involved in both glial cell differentiation and axonal network formation during neurogenesis. METRN promotes astrocyte differentiation and transforms cerebellar astrocytes into radial glia. Moreover, the METRN protein stimulates axonal extension in small and intermediate neurons of sensory ganglia by activating nearby satellite glia.

Mannose-binding protein C (MBL2), belongs to the collectin family of patternrecognition molecules and is an important component in the innate immune system. MBL2 is a secreted glycoprotein which recognizes mannose and N-acetylglucosamine on various microorganisms, and is capable of activating the classical complement pathway. Lacking MBL2 has been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases.

MECP2 is the key modificator of eukaryotic genomes and has a crucial part in mammalian development.
Human proteins MECP2, MBD1, MBD2, MBD3, and MBD4 form a family of nuclear proteins linked by the existence in each of a methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD). Each one of these proteins, with the exception of MBD3, can bind specifically to methylated DNA. In addition, MECP2, MBD1 and MBD2 can inhibit transcription from methylated gene promoters. Unlike other MBD family members, MECP2 is X-linked and subject to X inactivation. MECP2 is expendable in stem cells, but is vital for embryonic development. MECP2 gene mutations are the cause of most cases of Rett syndrome, a progressive neurologic developmental disorder and one of the most common reasons of mental retardation in females.

Vimentin expression in human malignant glioma cells depends on cellular density, algorithms of drug delivery and chemo/radio treatment. Vimentin and detyrosinated microtubules provide structural support for the extensive microtentacles observed in detached tumor cells and a mechanism to promote successful metastatic spread. Primary colorectal carcinomas display aberrant expression of vimentin, and have activated Notch and TGFbeta signaling pathways. Vimentin is a strong arterial substrate for transglutaminases. Transglutaminase-mediated vimentin dimerization results in a novel unifying pathway by which vasodilatory and remodeling responses may be regulated. Ablation of vimentin expression inhibits migration and invasion of colon and breast cancer cell lines. Vimentin is the main intermediate filament protein in mesenchymal cells and is therefore of value in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated neoplasms.

Gankyrin (proteasome 26S subunit) is a multicatalytic proteinase oncoprotein commonly overexpressed in most hepatocellular carcinomas. Proteasomes are found throughout eukaryotic cells at a high concentrations and cleave peptides in an ATP/ubiquitin-dependent process in a non-lysosomal pathway. Gankyrin interacts with S6 ATPase of the 19S regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome. Gankyrin is involved in theregulation of the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein by CDK4, and to enhance the ubiquitinylation of p53 by MDM2. Gankyrin consists of 7 ankyrin repeats and is structurally similar to I kappa Bs. Gankyrin acts as a regulatory subunit of the 26s proteasome which is involved in the atp-dependent degradation of ubiquitinated proteins. Gankyrin is involved in progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. gankyrin plays an oncogenic role especially in early stages of human epatocarcinogenesis. Gankyrin binds to NF-kappaB and suppresses its activity at the transcription level by modulating acetylation through SIRT1. Structural comparison between Gankyrin & p16(INK4A) identified numerous residues of gankyrin that are potentially important for CDK4 binding.

Agrin or AGRN is a large protein (proteoglycan) that has a crucial part in the development of neuromuscular junction amid embryogenesis. The protein has an involvement in the collection and aggregation of acetylcholine receptors through synaptogenesis. The agrin gene can be found and expressed in rat embryonic nervous system andmuscle tissue. This Agrin protein is aggregated in the synapses, there it can take part in regeneration & development. The protein binds to receptors on the surface of skeletal muscle.

SERPINI1 (Neuroserpin) is an inhibitory serpin which is expressed primarily in the central nervous system. Even though the physiological target of SERPINI1 is still vague, amassed evidence suggest that SERPINI1 has an imperative role in controlling proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during synaptogenesis and the subsequent development of neuronal plasticity. The neuroprotective role of SERPINI1 has been demonstrated in transgenic mice lacking SERPINI1 expression. The deficiency of SERPINI1 in these mice is linked with motor neuron disease characterized by axonal degradation. In humans, defects in SERPINI1, caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene, trigger a hereditary disorder known as the familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB).

Syntaxin-binding protein 6 (STXBP6) binds components of the SNARE complex and takes part in regulating SNARE complex configuration. STXBP6 forms non-fusogenic complexes with SNAP25 and STX1A and modulates the formation of SNARE complexes and exocytosis.

Renin is a highly specific endopeptidase which generates angiotensin I from angiotensinogen in the plasma. angiotensin I is an important regulator of blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Renin initiates a cascade of reactions that produce an elevation of blood pressure and increased sodium retention by the kidney.

REG protein was shown to be stimulated during the regeneration of pancreatic islets. Since then, many Reg-related proteins have been identified in humans and other animals. In human, the four REG family genes, i.e., REG 1 alpha, REG 1 beta, REG-related sequence (RS) and HIP/PAP, have so far been isolated. These Reg-related proteins are classified into four subfamilies according to their amino-acid sequences, but they share a similar structure and physiological function. Reg protein is a growth factor for pancreatic beta cells and also suggests that the administration of Reg protein could be used as another therapeutic approach for diabetes mellitus. Human REG cDNA which encodes a 166-amino acid protein with a 22-amino acid signal peptide. The amino acid sequence of human REG protein has 68% homology to that of rat Reg protein.
Reg I was found to be expressed mainly in pancreatic beta and acinoductular cells as well as gastric fundic enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells. Reg I production in ECL cells is stimulated by gastrin, as well as by the proinflammatory cytokine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-2Beta. In patients with chronic hypergastrinemia, Reg production is stimulated, with the increased proliferation of gastric mucosal cells. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection also showed increased Reg production in the gastric mucosa, partly via increased plasma gastrin concentration and partly via increased proinflammatory cytokine production. The serum concentration of the reg-protein was significantly higher in patients with various pancreatic diseases than in normal controls, and was also significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis or chronic relapsing pancreatitis than in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Furthermore, the serum PSP/reg-protein concentration was also significantly increased in liver cirrhosis, choledocholithiasis, and various cancers of the digestive system.

Profilin-1 (Bet v 2.0101) binds to actin and affects the structure of the cytoskeleton. At high concentrations, profiling-1 averts the polymerization of actin, whereas it augments it at low concentrations. By binding to PIP2, Profilin-1 inhibits the creation of IP3 and DG.

CRABP1 is a member of special carrier proteins for members of the vitamin A family. It is believed that CRABP1 has an essential role in retinoic acid-mediated differentiation and proliferation processes. Though, CRABP1 is structurally similar to the cellular retinol-binding proteins, it binds only retinoic acid at specific sites within the nucleus, which may contribute to vitamin A-directed differentiation in epithelial tissue. CRABP1 is constitutively expressed and is thought to have different functions in the cell than the related CRABP2. CRABP1 forms a beta-barrel structure which accommodates hydrophobic ligands in its interior. Loss of CRABP1 function as a result of hypermethylation of its promoter leads to pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, frequent methylation-associated silencing of CRABP1 is linked to esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.

Recombinant Human Holo Transferrin is an iron-delivery signaling protein which functions in the delivery of Fe³⁺ iron to cells using transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1/CD71).
Holo-transferrin binds TfR1, undergoes receptor-mediated endocytosis and the iron is released intracellularly. Transferrin Human Recombinant is crucial for brain and the nervous system, neuronal mitochondrial metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, oligodendrocyte myelination and synaptic activity. Recombinant holo-transferrin can be used in cell therapy, stem-cell expansion, CHO production, or drug-delivery platforms.

GDF8 is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site which is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. This gene is thought to encode a secreted protein which negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth.

Exenatide Derived from the saliva of the gila monster, is a 39 amino acid peptide that mimics the GLP-1 incretin, an insulin secretagogue with glucoregulatory effects. Typical responses to exenatide include improvements in the initial rapid release of endogenous insulin, suppression of glucagon release by the pancreas, regulation of gastric empyting, and reduced appetite - all of which function to lower blood glucose. Exenatide is self-regulating in that it lowers blood sugar when levels are elevated but does not continue to lower blood sugar when levels return to normal, unlike with sulfonylureas or insulins.

Galectins are a family of animal lectins with an affinity for beta-galactosides. This family has at least 14 identified members. Galectins share similarities in the CRD (the carbohydrate recognition domain). Galectins are synthesized as cytosolic proteins. Though localized principally in the cytoplasm and lacking a classical signal peptide, galectins can also be stimulated to secretion by non-classical pathways or alternatively targeted to the nucleus. Galectins are involved in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Human Galectin-7 belongs to the prototypical Galectins containing a single CRD, which is initially identified in human epidermis as a monomer. The Galectin-7 expression is induced by tumor suppressor protein p53 and associated with apoptosis. Galectin-7 is a pro-apoptotic protein which functions intracellularlly upstream of JNK activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. The correlation of Galectin-7 with the UV-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes presents a critical mechanism in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis. Human Galectin-7 is localized in both nucleus and cytoplasm.

SPARC, an acronym for “secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine”, is also known as osteonectin or BM-40. It is the founding member of a family of secreted matricellular proteins with similar domain structure. The 303 amino acid, 43 kDa protein contains a 17 aa signal sequence, an N-terminal acidic region that binds calcium, a follistatin domain containing Kazal-like sequences, and a C-terminal extracellular calcium (EC) binding domain with two EF-hand motifs. SPARC is produced by fibroblasts, capillary endothelial cells, platelets and macrophages, especially in areas of tissue morphogenesis and remodeling. SPARC shows context-specific effects, but generally inhibits adhesion, spreading and proliferation, and promotes collagen matrix formation. For endothelial cells, SPARC disrupts focal adhesions and binds and sequesters PDGF and VEGF. SPARC is abundantly expressed in bone, where it promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits adipogenesis.

Clusterin also named Apolipoprotein J (APO-J) is a 75-80 kD disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein containing about 30% of N-linked carbohydrate rich in sialic acid but truncated forms targeted to the nucleus have also been identified.
The precursor polypeptide chain is cleaved proteolytically to remove the 22-mer secretory signal peptide and subsequently between residues 227/228 to generate the a and b chains. These are assembled in anti-parallel to give a heterodimeric molecule in which the cysteine-rich centers are linked by five disulfide bridges and are flanked by two predicted coiled-coil a-helices and three predicted amphipathic a-helices.
Across a broad range of species clusterin shows a high degree of sequence homology ranging from 70% to 80%. It is nearly ubiquitously expressed in most mammalian tissues and can be found in plasma, milk, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and semen.
It is able to bind and form complexes with numerous partners such as immunoglobulins, lipids, bacteria, complement components, paraoxonase, beta amyloid, leptin and others. Clusterin has been ascribed a plethora of functions such as phagocyte recruitment, aggregation induction, complement attack prevention, apoptosis inhibition, membrane remodeling, lipid transport, hormone transport and/or scavenging, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition.
A genuine function of clusterin has not been defined. One tempting hypothesis says that clusterin is an extracellular chaperone protecting cells from stress induced insults caused by degraded and misfolded protein precipitates.
Clusterin is up- or down regulated on the mRNA or protein level in many pathological and clinically relevant situations including cancer, organ regeneration, infection, Alzheimer disease, retinitis pigmentosa, myocardial infarction, renal tubular damage, autoimmunity and others.

CALR is a multifunctional protein that acts as a main Ca(2+)-binding (storage) protein in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Calreticulin is localized in the nucleus, and participates in transcription regulation. Calreticulin binds to the synthetic peptide KLGFFKR, which is nearly identical to an amino acid sequence in the DNA-binding domain of the superfamily of nuclear receptors. CALR binds to antibodies in specific sera of systemic lupus and Sjogren patients which have anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, it is well conserved among species, and it is positioned in the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum where it binds calcium. The amino terminus of CALR interacts with the DNA-binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor and prevents the receptor from binding to its specific glucocorticoid response element. CALR reduces the binding of androgen receptor to its hormone-responsive DNA element and inhibits androgen receptor and retinoic acid receptor transcriptional activities in vivo, as well as retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation. Therefore, CALR acts as a significant modulator of the regulation of gene transcription by nuclear hormone receptors.

Regulated upon Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted or RANTES is an 8 kDa protein classified as a chemotactic cytokine or chemokine. Rantes has recently been renamed CCL5. RANTES is chemotactic for T cells, eosinophils and basophils and plays an active role in recruiting leukocytes into inflammatory sites. With the help of particular cytokines (i.e. IL-2 and IFN-g) that are released by T cells, RANTES also induces the proliferation and activation of certain natural killer (NK) cells to form CHAK (CC-Chemokine-activated killer) cells. Rantes is also an HIV-suppressive factor released from CD8+ T cells. The Rantes chemokine has been localized to chromosome 17 in humans.

Plasma fibronectin level is elevated in severe coronary artery disease. Increased plasma fibronectin levels are related with venous thromboembolism (VTE) particularly in males, and extend the probable association between biomarkers and risk factors for arterial atherothrombosis and VTE. Fibronectin plays a role in several cellular processes, including tissue repair, embryogenesis, blood clotting, and cell migration/adhesion. Fibronectin consists in two main forms: 1) as an insoluble glycoprotein dimer that serves as a linker in the extracellular matrix and 2) as a soluble disulphide linked dimer found in the plasma. The plasma form is produced by hepatocytes, and the ECM form is synthesized by fibroblasts, chondrocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, as well as certain epithelial cells. Fibronectin also takes part as a general cell adhesion molecule by anchoring cells to collagen or proteoglycan substrates. Fibronectin organizes cellular interaction with the ECM by binding to different components of the extracellular matrix and to membrane-bound Fibronectin receptors on cell surfaces.

Avidin is a tetrameric protein of 4 identical subunits (homotetramer) which can bind to biotin with a high degree of affinity and specificity. The estimated molecular weight of Avidin in its tetrameric form is between 66-69 kDa. Avidin is produced in the oviducts of birds, reptiles and amphibians and is subsequently deposited in the whites of their eggs. In the chicken egg white, avidin makes up roughly 0.05% of total protein (approximately 1.8 mg per egg). 10% of Avidin’s molecular weight is ascribed to carbohydrate content which is composed of 4-5 mannose and 3 N-acetylglucosamine residues. Avidin has at least three distinctive oligosaccharide structural type which are similar in structure and composition. The dissociation constant (KD) of avidin is approximately 10-15M, making it one of the strongest known non-covalent bonds.

Filamin binding LIM protein 1 (FBLIM1) plays a role as an anchoring site for cell-ECM adhesion proteins and filamin-containing actin filaments. FBLIM1 is involved in cell shape spreading and motility. FBLIM1 participates in the regulation of filamin-mediated cross-linking and stabilization of actin filaments. FBLIM1 promotes stimulation of integrins and regulates integrin-mediated cell-cell adhesion.