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Activins are homodimers or heterodimers of the different β subunit isoforms, part of the TGFβ family. Mature Activin A has two 116 amino acids residues βA subunits (βA-βA). Activin displays an extensive variety of biological activities, including mesoderm induction, neural cell differentiation, bone remodelling, haematopoiesis, and reproductive physiology. Activins takes part in the production and regulation of hormones such as FSH, LH, GnRH and ACTH. Cells that are identified to express Activin A include fibroblasts, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, osteoclasts, bone marrow monocytes, prostatic epithelium, neurons, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and ovarian granulosa cells.

Vaspin (visceral adipose-specific SERPIN), a newly identified adipokine, which is a member of serine protease inhibitor family. Vaspin is also a unique insulin sensitizing adipocytokine in obesity. A recent publication indicates that induction of human vaspin mRNA expression in adipose tissue is regulated in a fat depot-specific manner and could be associated with parameters of obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism.

Cystatin E/M or CST6 is part of the cystatin type 2 family. Part of the cystatin type 2 family members can act as cysteine protease inhibitors, whereas cystatin E/M regulates cathepsin B inhibitors and not cathepsin C. cystatin E/M is a protein the when secreted, has an effect on osteogenesis and bone resorption, insulin regulation, response to systemic inflammation & hepatocyte growth factor receptors.

S100A8 is a part of the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of a broad range of cells, and participate in the regulation of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. S100A8 plays a role in the inhibition of casein kinase and as a cytokine. S100A8 altered expression is related with cystic fibrosis disease. S100A8 is a calcium-binding protein that has antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.S100A8 is crucial for resistance towards invasion by pathogenic bacteria. S100A8 up-regulates transcription of genes that are under the control of NF-kappa-B. S100A8 plays a role in the development of endotoxic shock in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. S100A8 endorses tubulin polymerization and promotes phagocyte migration and infiltration of granulocytes at sites of wounding. S100A8 takes part as a pro-inflammatory mediator in acute and chronic inflammation and up-regulates the release of IL8 and cell-surface expression of ICAM1.

ERCC1 polypeptide is essential for nucleotide excision repair (NER) of damaged DNA and is homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD10, which takes part in repair and mitotic intra-chromosomal recombination. NER mechanism includes dual incisions on both sides of the damage catalyzed by two nucleases. In mammalian cells XPG cleaves 3' of the DNA lesion while the ERCC1-XPF complex makes the 5' incision.

CD207 (C-type lectin domain family 4 member K) is expressed in Langerhans cells which are immature dendritic cells of the epidermis and mucosa. Moreover, CD207 is expressed in several other dendritic cell types including dermal CD103+ DCs and splenic CD8+ DCs. Langerin is localized in the Birbeck granules, the organelles present in the cytoplasm of Langerhans cells and comprised of superimposed and zippered membranes. CD207 is a C-type lectin with mannose binding specificity, and it has been suggested that mannose binding by the CD207 protein leads to internalization of antigen into Birbeck granules thus providing access to a nonclassical antigen-processing pathway.

Follistatin is a single-chain gonadal protein that specifically inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone release. The single FST gene encodes two isoforms, FST317 and FST344 containing 317 and 344 amino acids respectively, resulting from alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA. In a study in which 37 candidate genes were tested for linkage and association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenemia in 150 families, evidence was found for linkage between PCOS and follistatin. Follistatin binds directly to activin and functions as an activin antagonist. specific inhibitor of the biosynthesis and secretion of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (fsh).

CD68 encodes a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. It is a member of the lysosomal/endosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP) family. The protein primarily localizes to lysosomes and endosomes with a smaller fraction circulating to the cell surface. It is a type I integral membrane protein with a heavily glycosylated extracellular domain and binds to tissue- and organ-specific lectins or selectins. The protein is also a member of the scavenger receptor family. Scavenger receptors typically function to clear cellular debris, promote phagocytosis, and mediate the recruitment and activation of macrophages. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcripts encoding different isoforms.

Resistin, a product of the RSTN gene, is a peptide hormone belonging to the class of cysteine-rich secreted proteins which is termed the RELM family, and is also described as ADSF (Adipose Tissue- Specific Secretory Factor) and FIZZ3 (Found in Inflammatory Zone). Human resistin contains 108 amino acids as a prepeptide, and its hydrofobic signal peptide is cleaved before its secretion. Resistin circulates in human blood as a dimeric protein consisting of two 92 amino acid polypeptides, which are disulfide-linked via Cys26.
Resistin may be an important link between obesity resistance. Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity. They have also suggested that resistin is present at elevated levels in blood of obese mice, and is down regulated by fasting and antidiabetic drugs. Way et al., on the other hand, have found that resistin expression is severly suppressed in obesity and is stimulated by several antidiabetic drugs.
Other studies have shown that mouse resistin increases during the differentiation of adipocytes, but it also seems to inhibit adipogenesis. In contrast, the human adipogenic differentiation is likely to be associated with a down regulation of resistin gene expression.

Serpin Peptidase Inhibitor, Clade A Member 9, also known as serpin A9, belongs to the Serpin superfamily of serine protease inhibitors. Serpins are the most extensively distributed superfamily of protease inhibitors which use a conformational modification to inhibit target enzymes. Serpins are known to inhibit serine proteases as well as inhibiting caspases in addition to papain-like cysteine proteases. Serpins are conformational labile and numerous of the disease-linked mutations of serpins outcome in misfolding or in pathogenic, inactive polymers. serpin A9 demonstrates inhibition towards trypsin, thrombin, as well as plasmin and binds DNA and heparin.

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.

Sjogren syndrome/scleroderma autoantigen 1, SSSCA1 is involved in mitosis. SSSCA1 is a centromere-associated protein which can induce anti-centromere antibodies. In addition SSSCA1 is recognized by a subset of anti-centromere antibodies from patients with sclerodermaand Sjogren's syndrome.

Growth/differentiation factors (GDF1-GDF15) belong to the BMP family of TGF-beta superfamily proteins. These factors are produced as inactive preproproteins which are subsequently cleaved and assembled into active secreted homodimers. BMP13 is a growth factor which controls proliferation and cellular differentiation in the retina and bone formation. BMP13 has a central role in regulating apoptosis during retinal development. GDF proteins are vital during embryonic development, particularly in the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems. BMP13 gene mutations result in colobomata, which are congenital abnormalities in ocular development, and in Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), which is a congenital disorder of spinal segmentation.

Fc fragment of IgE, high affinity I, receptor for; alpha polypeptide (FCER1A) binds to the Fc region of immunoglobulins epsilon. FCER1A is a high affinity receptor. In addition FCER1A is responsible for starting the allergic response. Binding of allergen to receptor-bound IgE leads to cell activation and the release of mediators such as histamine which is responsible for the manifestations of allergy. This receptor is contains of an alpha subunit, a beta subunit, and two gamma subunits. FCER1A stands for the alpha subunit. Among the diseases associated with FCER1A are mast-cell leukemia, and allergic asthma.

GINS4, a member of the GINS4/SLD5 family, has a key part in the initiation of DNA replication, and progression of DNA replication forks. GINS4 is significant for GINS complex assembly. GINS complex connects favorably to singlestranded DNA. Recombinant human GINS4 protein, fused to His-tag at N-terminus was purified by using conventional chromatography techniques.

CDKN2A Interacting Protein N-Terminal Like (CDKN2AIPNL) is a part of the CARF family.

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.

Annexin A11 (ANXA11) belongs to the annexin family, which is a group of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. Annexins have distinctive N-terminal domains and conserved C-terminal domains, which contain the calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding sites. Annexin A11 binds specifically to calcyclin in a calcium-dependent manner. Moreover, ANXA11 is required for midbody formation and completion of the terminal phase of cytokinesis. The ANXA11 protein is a 56kDa antigen recognized by sera from patients with various autoimmune diseases.

ANXA2 is part of the annexin family and is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and in signal transduction pathways. ANXA2 protein functions as an autocrine factor which increases osteoclast formation and bone resorption. ANXA2 is associated with sickle cell osteonecrosis. Reduced ANXA2 expression is associated with osteosarcoma metastases. ANXA2 is part of the putative cell surface vitamin D binding protein binding site complex and functions to mediate the chemotactic cofactor effect. ANXA2 is involved in dysferlin deficiency and in muscular dystrophies. Human colon adenocarcinoma cell differentiation is related with an up-regulation of ANXA2.

ANXA8 is part of the annexin family of evolutionarily conserved Ca2+ and phospholipid binding proteins. ANXA8 is an anticoagulant protein that functions as an indirect inhibitor of the thromboplastin-specific complex, which takes part in the blood coagulation cascade. Where co-expressed in the same tissues, ANXA8 is expressed at a 100-fold lower level than Annexin A5. Though, ANXA8 is preferentially expressed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells which suggests its involvement in hematopoietic cell differentiation.

EFNA1 belongs to the ephrin (EPH) family. The EPH subfamily is the biggest group of receptor protein kinases and they take part in vital nervous system function and development.

The IGFs comprise a family of peptides that play important roles in mammalian growth and development. IGF1 mediates many of the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone. Early studies showed that growth hormone did not directly stimulate the incorporation of sulfate into cartilage, but rather acted through a serum factor, termed 'sulfation factor,' which later became known as 'somatomedin'. Three main somatomedins have been characterized: somatomedin C (IGF1), somatomedin A, and somatomedin B. IGF-1 is a small protein secreted mostly but not exclusively by the liver and circulating in blood mostly as a complex with several IGF binding proteins. It has growth-regulating, insulin-like, and mitogenic functions and it is secreted in response to growth hormone stimulation.

Inositol monophosphatase 3 (IMPAD1) belongs to the inositol monophosphatase family. IMPAD1 is restricted to the Golgi apparatus and catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphoadenosine phosphate (PAP) to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). IMPAD1 gene mutations cause the GRAPP type chondrodysplasia with joint dislocations, and a pseudogene of the IMPAD1 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 1.