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IL-16 is a pleiotropic cytokine that functions as a chemoattractant, a modulator of T cell activation, and an inhibitor of HIV replication. The signaling process of IL-16 is mediated by CD4. The product of this gene undergoes proteolytic processing, which is found to yield two functional proteins. IL-16 functions exclusively attributed to the secreted C-terminal peptide, while the N-terminal product may play a role in cell cycle control. Caspase 3 is reported to be involved in the proteolytic processing of this protein. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
IL-16 stimulates a migratory response in cd4+ lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Also induces t-lymphocyte expression of interleukin 2 receptor, ligand for cd4.

The homeobox protein family of transcription factors has many members that take part in developmental processes such as HHEX. HHEX is known to interact with Promyelocytic leukemia protein and expression in specific hematopoietic lines indicates that this protein is involved in hematopoietic differentiation.

Diphthamide biosynthesis protein 2 (DPH2) is a homodimer and each of its monomers can bind a [4Fe-4S] cluster. DPH2 is the target of ADP ribosylating diphtheria toxin (DT) and Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). DPH2 was identified by its ability to complement a diphthamide mutant strain, and thus serves in diphthamide biosynthesis. The loss of DPH2 pre-activates NF-kB and death receptor pathways and renders MCF7 cells hypersensitive to tumor necrosis factor.

Granzyme H also known as GZMH belongs to the peptidase S1 family. GZMH is an essential part for HBV eradication. The HBx protein, which is required for the replication of HBV, is cleaved at Met(79) by GZMH. Furthermore, GZMH inhibitor can abolish GZNH- as well as lymphokine-activated killer cell-mediated HBx degradation and HBV clearance. A HBx-deficient HBV is resistant to GzmH- in addition to lymphokine-activated killer cell-mediated viral clearance.

TLR2 belongs to the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family that plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) which are expressed on infectious agents, and mediate the production of cytokines necessary for the development of effective immunity. The various TLRs exhibit different patterns of expression. TLR2 is expressed most abundantly in peripheral blood leukocytes, and mediates host response to Gram-positive bacteria and yeast via stimulation of NF-kappaB.

Wheat Gliadin and related gluten components from barley, rye and possibly oats can cause an abnormal immune response called Celiac disease which is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Celiac disease characteristics are flattening of the jejunal mucosa and intestinal lesions of variable severity in hereditarily inclined individuals. Even though Celiac disease is not a classic autoimmune disease it is related to anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies and gliadin antibodies tests are most recommended in screening populations at risk for CD and other gluten-sensitive enteropathies. In the past, serologic tests for gliadin antibodies usually were not very precise and were not enough for accurate diagnosis due to missing deamidated epitopes within the authentic gliadin fraction traditionally used in diagnostic test kits. ProSpec's deamidated Gliadin isoform matches to the deamidated neo-epitopes, which in the natural antigen are formed by transglutaminase-mediated glutamine side chain deamidation.

Nafarelin acetate is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Nafarelin stimulates the release of the pituitary gonadotropins, LH and FSH, resulting in a temporary increase of ovarian steroidogenesis.

BDNF promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. BDNF is a major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the cns. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (ltp), long-term depression (ltd), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirusthat can lead to a condition in which the immune systembegins to fail, leading to opportunistic infections. HIV primarily infects vital cells in the humanimmune systemsuch as helper T cells(specifically CD4+ T cells), macrophagesand dendritic cells. HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through three main mechanisms: firstly, direct viral killing of infected cells; secondly, increased rates of apoptosisin infected cells; and thirdly, killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytesthat recognize infected cells. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunityis lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections. HIV was classified as a member of the genus Lentivirus, part of the family of Retroviridae. Lentiviruses have many common morphologies and biological properties. Many species are infected by lentiviruses, which are characteristically responsible for long-duration illnesses with a long incubation period. Lentiviruses are transmitted as single-stranded, positive-sense, enveloped RNA viruses. Upon entry of the target cell, the viral RNA genomeis converted to double-stranded DNAby a virally encoded reverse transcriptasethat is present in the virus particle. This viral DNA is then integrated into the cellular DNA by a virally encoded integraseso that the genome can be transcribed. Once the virus has infected the cell, two pathways are possible: either the virus becomes latentand the infected cell continues to function, or the virus becomes active and replicates, and a large number of virus particles are liberated that can then infect other cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirusthat can lead to a condition in which the immune systembegins to fail, leading to opportunistic infections. HIV primarily infects vital cells in the humanimmune systemsuch as helper T cells(specifically CD4+ T cells), macrophagesand dendritic cells. HIV infection leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through three main mechanisms: firstly, direct viral killing of infected cells; secondly, increased rates of apoptosisin infected cells; and thirdly, killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytesthat recognize infected cells. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunityis lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections. HIV was classified as a member of the genus Lentivirus, part of the family of Retroviridae. Lentiviruses have many common morphologies and biological properties. Many species are infected by lentiviruses, which are characteristically responsible for long-duration illnesses with a long incubation period. Lentiviruses are transmitted as single-stranded, positive-sense, enveloped RNA viruses. Upon entry of the target cell, the viral RNA genomeis converted to double-stranded DNAby a virally encoded reverse transcriptasethat is present in the virus particle. This viral DNA is then integrated into the cellular DNA by a virally encoded integraseso that the genome can be transcribed. Once the virus has infected the cell, two pathways are possible: either the virus becomes latentand the infected cell continues to function, or the virus becomes active and replicates, and a large number of virus particles are liberated that can then infect other cells.

Omentin is a recently recognized gene highly localized to the mental tissue (visceral adipose tissue). Omentin is present in the stromal vascular cells in the adipose tissue rather than in the adipocytes. Omentin is predominantly expressed in the visceral adipose tissue than the subcutaneous tissue, with the omentin mRNA being 150 times higher in the visceral adipose tissue. Omentin has also been detected in human blood using western blot analysis, and seems to increase INSstimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in mice. Omentin seems to increase Akt phosphorylation irrespective of INS presence. Its role in glucose metabolism and obesity remains to be described; an INS-sensitizing action is possible.Differences in Omentin expression has been noted in adipose tissue from normals and patients with inflammatory bowel disease although its significance is unknown.

Glycerol dehydrogenase (GldA) catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone (glycerone). The GldA protein allows microorganisms to use glycerol as a source of carbon under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, in E.coli GldA has an imperative role by regulating the intracellular level of dihydroxyacetone by catalyzing the reverse reaction, i.e. the conversion of dihydroxyacetone into glycerol. GldA possesses an extensive substrate specificity, due to its ability to oxidize 1,2-propanediol and to reduce glycolaldehyde, methylglyoxal and hydroxyacetone into ethylene glycol, lactaldehyde and 1,2-propanediol, respectively.

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily. This receptor contributes to the clonal expansion, survival, and development of T cells. It can also induce proliferation in peripheral monocytes, enhance T cell apoptosis induced by TCR/CD3 triggered activation, and regulate CD28 co-stimulation to promote Th1 cell responses. The expression of this receptor is induced by lymphocyte activation. TRAF adaptor proteins have been shown to bind to this receptor and transduce the signals leading to activation of NF-kappaB.

Though the exact role of MMACHC is unknown, its C-terminal region shows similarity to TonB, which is a bacterial protein involved in energy transduction for cobalamin (vitamin B12) uptake. Therefore, it is suggested that MMACHC may have a role in the binding and intracellular trafficking of cobalamin. MMACHC mutations are linked with methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria type cblC. MMACHC is widely expressed, it is expressed at higher level in the fetal liver, however it is also expressed in the spleen, lymph node, thymus and bone marrow. MMACHC is weakly or not expressed in the peripheral blood leukocytes.

Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, is a part of the Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase gene family. DDAH1 participates in nitric oxide generation by regulating cellular concentrations of methylarginines, that in turn inhibit nitric oxide synthase activity. Deficiency of DDAH1 results in ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) increase and a decrease in cGMP generation.

Porphobilinogen deaminase (HMBS) belongs to the hydroxymethylbilane synthase superfamily. HMBS is a cytoplasmic enzyme found in the heme synthesis pathway. HMBS is the 3rd enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway and catalyzes the head to tail condensation of 4 porphobilinogen molecules into the linear hydroxymethylbilane. HMBS gene mutations cause errors in pyrrole metabolism which in turn lead to the autosomal dominant disease acute intermittent porphyria.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1) is a member of the A/B subfamily of ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). HNRNPA1 is involved in the packing of pre-mRNA into hnRNP particles, transport of poly(A) mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and may control splice site selection. The HNRNPA1 protein may also have a role in HCV RNA replication. In addition, HNRNPA1 is believed to have a key role in the formation of specific myometrial protein species in parturition.
The hnRNP proteins have distinctive nucleic acid binding properties. HNRNPA1 has 2 repeats of quasi-RRM domains that bind to RNAs. HNRNPA1 is one of the most copious core proteins of hnRNP complexes and it is restricted to the nucleoplasm. The HNRNPA1 protein, along with other hnRNP proteins, is exported from the nucleus, most likely bound to mRNA, and is immediately re-imported. The M9 domain of HNRNPA1 functions as both a nuclear localization and nuclear export signal.

Epiregulin is part of the EGF family. Epiregulin functions as a ligand of EGFR, as well as a ligand of most members of the ERBB (v-erb-b2 oncogene homolog) family of tyrosine-kinase receptors.Epiregulin is expressed mostly in the placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes and in specific carcinomas of the bladder, lung, kidney and colon. Epiregulin stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. Epiregulin inhibits the growth of several tumor-derived epithelial cell lines. Human Epiregulin is initially synthesized as a glycosylated 19.0 kDa transmembrane precursor protein, which is processed by proteolytic cleavage to produce a 6.0 kDa mature secreted sequence.

CTK-19 is a member of the keratin family. The keratins are intermediate filament proteins responsible for the structural integrity of epithelial cells and are subdivided into cytokeratins and hair keratins. The type I cytokeratins consist of acidic proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains. Unlike its related family members, this smallest known acidic cytokeratin is not paired with a basic cytokeratin in epithelial cells. It is specifically expressed in the periderm, the transiently superficial layer that envelopes the developing epidermis. The type I cytokeratins are clustered in a region of chromosome 17q12-q21.

Eosinophil lysophospholipase (CLC) acts on biological membranes to regulate the multifunctional lysophospholipids. CLC is a lysophospholipase expressed in eosinophils and basophils. CLC hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine to glycerophosphocholine and a free fatty acid. The CLC protein may possess carbohydrate or IgE-binding activities. CLC is both structurally and functionally related to the galectin family of beta-galactoside binding proteins. CLC may be linked with inflammation and some myeloid leukemias.

RALY belongs to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) gene family. RALY takes part in pre-mRNA splicing and also in embryonic development. Moreover, alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants have been found for RALY.

Retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR) belongs to the large family of ligand responsive gene regulatory proteins that includes receptors for steroid and thyroid hormones. These proteins contain two highly conserved domains that are involved in determining their DNA and ligand-binding activities. There are three isotypes of RAR proteins: alpha, beta, and gamma. The RAR proteins are encoded by distinct genetic loci and possess distinct transcriptional properties. Typically, RAR-alpha represses target gene transcription in the absence of hormone, whereas RAR-beta and gamma fail to repress under these conditions. RARA is a receptor for retinoic acid that has profound effects on vertebrate development. Retinoic acid is a morphogen and is a powerful teratogen. RARA controls cell function by directly regulating gene expression.
Chromosomal aberrations involving RARA cause acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

SARS Associated Coronavirus Envelope is a small membrane protein that takes major part in the life cycle of the virus. This protein is needed for the assembly, budding, creation of the envelope and pathogenesis. This protein contains 3 outer structural proteins, the membrane (M), envelope (E), and spike (S) proteins. Spike (S)-glycoprotein of the virus interacts with a cellular receptor and mediates membrane fusion to assure viral entry thetarget cells. Accordingly, S-protein has a major part in virus infection cycle and is the mainly target of neutralizing antibodies.