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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is derived from the transcription product of the proglucagon gene. The major source of GLP-1 in the body is the intestinal L cell that secretes GLP-1 as a guthormone. The biologically active forms of GLP-1 are: GLP-1-(7-37) and GLP-1-(7-36)NH2.
GLP-1 secretion by L cells is dependent on the presence of nutrients in the lumen of the small intestine. The secretagogues (agents that causes or stimulates secretion) of this hormone include major nutrients like carbohydrate, proteinand lipid. Once in the circulation, GLP-1 has a half life of less than 2 minutes, due to rapid degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4.
GLP-1 possesses several physiological properties that make it a subject of intensive investigation as a potential treatment of diabetes mellitus. The known physiological functions of GLP-1 include: Increases insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner, decreases glucagon secretion from the pancreas, increases beta cells mass and insulin gene expression, inhibits acid secretion and gastric emptying in the stomach, decreases food intake by increasing satiety.

Galectin-4 is a member of the subfamily of galectins composed of two carbohydrate recognition domains having similar peptide chains. The galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins having a role in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which inhibits chronic inflammations, GVHD, and allergic responses. LGALS4 expression is limited to small intestine, colon, and rectum, and it is underexpressed in colorectal cancer. LGALS4 binds as an endogenous ligand to glycosphingolipids having 3-O-sulfated Gal residues and bind as well to cholesterol-3-sulfate. LGALS4 takes part in cell adhesion. LGALS4 plays a role in crosslinking the lateral cell membranes of the surface-lining epithelial cells, thus supporting epithelial integrity against mechanical stress exerted by the bowel lume. LGALS4 is in charge of intestinal inflammation via selective regulation of peripheral and mucosal T-cell cell cycle, in addition to cell death by apoptosis of T-cells by a pathway independent of the activation of caspases. LGALS4 blockade decreases TNF-alpha inhibitor induced T-cell death. LGALS4 decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion including IL-6 & IL-17.

GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of minergic neurons in culture, and is able to prevent apoptosis of motor neurons induced by axotomy. The encoded protein is processed to a mature secreted form that exists as a homodimer. The mature form of the protein is a ligand for the product of the RET (rearranged during transfection) protooncogene. In addition to the transcript encoding GDNF, two additional alternative transcripts encoding distinct proteins, referred to as astrocyte-derived trophic factors, have also been described. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Hirschsprung disease.
GDNF enhances survival and morphological differentiation of minergic neurons and increases their high-affinity uptake.

Transferrin is the iron-transport protein of vertebrate serum and donates iron to cells through interaction with a specific membrane receptor, CD71. Transferrin appears to be indispensable for most cells growing in tissue culture.
It is referred to frequently as a growth factor because, in analogy to other growth factor-receptor interactions, proliferating cells express high numbers of transferrin receptors, and the binding of transferrin to their receptors is needed for cells to initiate and maintain their DNA synthesis. Apart from its role as an iron transport protein transferrin acts as a cytokine and has functions that may not be related to its iron-carrying capacity.
Human Transferrin is a crucial component for the cultivation of mammalian cells in-vitro. Human Transferrin is Critical for long-term cells growth in-vitro. Human Transferrin is used as detoxificant in media by binding contaminating metal ions. Human Transferrin is often used as a nutrient in fermentation media for recombinant protein and biopharmaceutical production. Additional common uses of Human Transferrin areMolecular weight, Affinity purification of anti-human transferrin antibodies and also as receptor mediated transfection of molecules such as DNA, into cells.

Cystatins are a superfamily of cysteine proteinase inhibitors found in both plants and animals. They comprise a group of proteinase inhibitors, widely distributed in tissues and body fluids, and form tight complexes with cysteine proteases such as cathepsin B, H, L and S. Cystatin C, a secreted molecule of this family, is of interest from biochemical, medicine and evolutionary points of view. Cystatin C, with molecular weight of 13260 Da, is composed of 120 amino acids, lacks carbohydrate and has two disulfide bridges located near the carboxyl terminus. Cystatin C is increased in patients with malignant diseases, and is related to the insufficiency of renal function and appears to be a better marker than creatinine. On the other hand, low levels of cystatin C involve cause the breakdown of the elastic laminae and, subsequently, the atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

SPINT2 is a transmembrane protein acts as an inhibitor of HGF activator. SPINT2 inhibits plasmin, plasma and tissue kallikrein, and factor XIa. SPINT2 has two extracellular Kunitz domains that inhibit few serine proteases. SPINT2 is assumed tumor suppressor, mutations in SPINT2 leads to a congenital sodium diarrhea.

STMN2 is a neuronal growth-associated protein which shares a majority of its amino acid sequence with the phosphoprotein stathmin. STMN2 is involved in neuronal differentiation and in modulating membrane interaction with the cytoskeleton through neurite outgrowth. STMN2 is necessary for maintaining the anchorage-independent growth state of beta-catenin/TCF-activated hepatoma cells. SCG10 is a novel indicator of osteogenesis and osteoblast that takes part in the regulation of the adipocyte/osteoblast balance. STMN2 plays a role as an effector downstream of Rnd1 to regulate axon extensions by modulating microtubule organization.

Frizzled-4, also known as FZD4 is a 7 ­transmembrane glycoprotein which belongs to the Frizzled family within the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. FZD4 acts as a positive regulator of the Wingless type MMTV integration site signaling pathway. These pathways appear to include interactions with G-proteins. FZD4 is implicated in transduction as well as intercellular transmission of polarity information in the course of tissue morphogenesis and differentiated tissues.

RAET1L plays a role as a stress-induced ligand for NKG2D receptor. Retinoic Acid Early Transcript 1L (RAET1L) is linked to the cell membrane by the GPI anchor. HCMV infection triggers RAET1L’sexpression but HCMV alters its function. HCMV-encoded UL16 glycoprotein retains RAET1L/ULBP6 inside the cells, preventing it from reaching the cell surface and being exposed to cells of the immune system. RAET1L has a more restricted expression profile in cell lines and primary human tissues than other NKG2D ligands.

HES7 belongs to the Hairy and enhancer of split family of bHLH transcription factors. The mouse ortholog of the HES7 is set by Notch signaling. The protein serves as a transcriptional repressor, and is involved in correct patterning of the axial skeleton. A mutation in HES7 has been shown to result in spondylocostal dysostosis. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been discovered for HES7.

Sperm Associated Antigen 7 (SPAG7) is comprised of 1 R3H domain. SPAG7 is detected in fetal brain and localized in the nucleus.

CCL3L1 is a small cytokine that belongs to the CC chemokines. The CCL3L1 gene is one of several cytokine genes clustered on the q-arm of chromosome 17. CCL3L1 is involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. CCL3L1 binds to several chemokine receptors including CCBP2 and CCR5. CCR5 is a co-receptor for HIV, and binding of the CCL3L1 protein to CCR5 inhibits HIV entry.

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that plays a role in the stimulation of milk production, salt and water regulation, growth, development and reproduction. The primary step in its action is the binding to a specific membrane receptor (prolactin receptor) which belongs to the superfamily of class 1 cytokine receptors. Prolactin is a hormone involved in a range of significant functions including ion transport and osmoregulation, stimulation of milk, protein synthesis as well as the regulation of numerous reproductive functions. Prolactin exerts its influence on different cell types through a signal transduction pathway which begins with the binding of the hormone to a transmembrane Prolactin receptor. PRLR varies in size (short and long forms) with tissue source and species, from ~40 kDa to 100 kDa. The PRL-R consists of at least 3 separate domains: an extracellular region with 5 cysteines which contains the prolactin binding site, a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic region, the length of which appears to influence ligand binding and regulate cellular function.

Relaxin-3 (RLN3) belongs to the relaxin family. Relaxins are endocrine and autocrine/paracrine hormones. Relaxin, which is produced by the ovary, targets the mammalian reproductive system to ripen the cervix, elongate the pubic symphysis and inhibit uterine contraction. Unlike human Relaxins 1 and 2, Relaxin 3 does not seem to have a role in reproduction; however it is involved in stress response in the brain stem. RLN3 is the only known ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor GPCR135, titled RXFP3. In addition, RLN3 binds the LGR7 (RXFP1) receptor, however with lower affinity than Relaxin-2. Even though binding of RLN3 to LGR7 increases intracellular cAMP, binding to GPCR135 suppresses cAMP accumulation, indicating coupling to Gi, Go, or Gz by this receptor.

C-type lectin domain family 5-member A isoform 1 (CLEC5A) is part of the CTL/CTLD superfamily which carry various functions, for instance cell-cell signaling, cell adhesion, glycoprotein turnover, in addition to their inflammation & immune response abilities. CLEC5A operates as a cell attachment receptor for all 4 serotypes of Dengue virus in addition to Japanese encephalitis virus. CLEC5A binds to the dengue virus and it triggers signaling through the phosphylation of TYROBP, as a result no viral entrance occurs, however this interaction does stimulate proinflammatory cytokine release. CLEC5A preforms as a positive regulator of osteoclastogenesis and also a main regulator of synovial injury & bone erosion for the period of autoimmune joint inflammation.

DiGeorge syndrome critical region 6-like protein (DGCR6L) shares homology with the Drosophila gonadal protein, it is expressed in gonadal tissues and germ cells, and with the human laminin gamma-1 chain which functions in cell attachment and migration. DGCR6L is located in a region of chromosome 22 involved in the DiGeorge syndrome, one aspect of a wider collection of anomalies referred to as the CATCH 22 syndrome. Moreover, it is one of two functional genes encoding nearly identical proteins which have analogous expression patterns.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone synthesised and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland. FSH and LH act synergistically in reproductionIn women, in the ovary FSH stimulates the growth of immature Graafian follicles to maturation. As the follicle grows it releases inhibin, which shuts off the FSH production.
In men, FSH enhances the production of androgen-binding proteinby the Sertoli cells of the testes and is critical for spermatogenesis.
In both males and females, FSH stimulates the maturation of germ cells. In females, FSH initiates follicular growth, specifically affecting granulosa cells. With the concomitant rise in inhibin B FSH levels then decline in the late follicular phase. This seems to be critical in selecting only the most advanced follicle to proceed to ovulation. At the end of the luteal phase, there is a slight rise in FSH that seems to be of importance to start the next ovulatory cycle.
Like its partner, LH, FSH release at the pituitary gland is controlled by pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH). Those pulses, in turn, are subject to the estrogen feed-back from the gonads.

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.

Cytokeratin 8 (KRT8) belongs to the type II keratin family clustered on the long arm of chromosome 12. Type I and type II keratins heteropolymerize to form intermediate-sized filaments in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. KRT8 typically dimerizes with keratin 18 to form an intermediate filament in simple single-layered epithelial cells. KRT8 has a role in retaining cellular structural integrity and also functions in signal transduction and cellular differentiation. KRT8 gene mutations cause cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Alpha crystallins are composed of two gene products ; alpha-A and alpha-B, for acidic and basic, respectively. Alpha crystallins can be induced by heat shock and are members of the small heat shock protein (sHSP also known as the HSP20). They act as molecular chaperones and hold them in large soluble aggregates. These heterogeneous aggregates consist of 30-40 subunits; the alpha-A and alpha-B subunits have a 3:1 ratio, respectively. Two additional function of -crystallins are an autokinase activity and participation in the intracellular architecture. The expression of alpha-A is preferentially restricted to the lens cell.

Insulin decreases blood glucose concentration. It increases cell permeability to monosaccharides, amino acids and fatty acids. It accelerates glycolysis, the pentose phosphate cycle, and glycogen synthesis in liver.

The La protein is a 47 kDa polypeptide that frequently acts as an autoantigen in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome patients. La is involved in various aspects of RNA metabolism, including binding and protecting 3-prime UUU(OH) elements of newly RNA polymerase III - transcribed RNA, processing 5-prime and 3-prime ends of pre-tRNA precursors, acting as an RNA chaperone, and binding viral RNAs linked to hepatitis C virus. It occurs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, where it assumes different roles. In the nucleus, La protein facilitates the production of tRNAs, acting as an RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) transcription factor by attaching to the U-rich 3'UTR of nascent transcripts, aiding in their folding and maturation. In the cytoplasm, La protein facilitates the translation of specific mRNAs, acting as a translation factor. As an RNA binding protein (RBP), La protein associates with subsets of mRNAs which contain a 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine (5'TOP) motif known to direct protein synthesis. The binding of La protein to particular classes of RNA molecules regulates their downstream processing, guards them from endonuclease digestion, and organizes their export from the nucleus. La/SS-B appears to be readily disposed to proteolysis, which results in many smaller (42kD, 320, and 270) nevertheless still immunoreactive polypeptides. La/SS-B antigen is strongly conserved across species. Anti-La/SS-B autoantibodies were originally found as precipitating autoantibodies in sera of Sjogren's Syndrome patients and referred to as SjT. Anti-La/SS-B precipitins are most frequently found in Sjogren's Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus. Also, there seems to be a correlation between anti-La/SS-B and the absence of nephritis in SLE patients.

Cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC/ NNT-1) belongs to the IL-6 family of cytokines. All family members share the receptor subunit gp130, which belongs to the type I cytokine receptor superfamily. NNT1 is a trophic factor for motor neurons, a stimulator of ACTH release from corticotrophs, and an inducer of IgE synthesis and B cell proliferation. Cells expressing NNT-1 include embryonic muscle, lung epithelium, and mesenchyme. NNT1 binds to and activates the ILST/gp130 receptor.