Search results

A 16-kDa peptide hormone secreted from white adipocytes and implicated in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Leptin provides the key afferent signal from fat cells in the feedback system that controls body fat stores.

KGF is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. FGF7 is a potent epithelial cell-specific growth factor, whose mitogenic activity is predominantly exhibited in keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Studies of mouse and rat homologs of this gene implicated roles in morphogenesis of epithelium, reepithelialization of wounds, hair development and early lung organogenesis.

FOS-Like Antigen 2, also known as FOSL2 is a protein which is encoded in humans by the FOSL2 gene. The Fos gene family consists of four members: FOS, FOSB, FOSL1, and FOSL2. Furthermore, these genes encode leucine zipper proteins which can dimerize with proteins of the JUN family, in that way forming the transcription factor complex AP-1. As such, the FOS proteins have been involved as regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, as well transformation.

NUDT9 is a member of a superfamily of Nudix hydrolases. NUDT9 functions as a highly specific adenosine diphosphate ribose pyrophosphatase which hydrolyzes ADP ribose to AMP and ribose 5'-phosphate. In addition, NUDT9 may be involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and may be related to the proliferation of glandular cells in the human endometrium.

Epidermal growth factor has a profound effect on the differentiation of specific cells in vivo and is a potent mitogenic factor for a variety of cultured cells of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. The EGF precursor is believed to exist as a membrane-bound molecule which is proteolytically cleaved to generate the 53-amino acid peptide hormone that stimulates cells to divide.
EGF stimulates the growth of various epidermal and epithelial tissues in vivo and in vitro and of some fibroblasts in cell culture.

Small Nuclear RNA Activating Complex, Polypeptide 1 (SNAPC1) is a part of the SNAPc complex necessary for the transcription of both RNA polymerase II and III small-nuclear RNA genes. SNAPC1 binds to the proximal sequence element (PSE), a non-TATA-box basal promoter element common to these 2 types of genes. Moreover, SNAPC1 recruits TBP and BRF2 to the U6 snRNA TATA box.

MAFK is a member of the bZIP family and Maf subfamily. Members from Maf family of basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors influence transcription in a positive or negative way, depending on their protein associate and the context of the target promoter. Small Mafs act as transcriptional repressors when they dimerize among themselves. Yet, they seem to function as transcriptional activators by dimerizing with other basic-zipper proteins and employing them to specific DNA-binding sites.

Epidermal growth factor has a profound effect on the differentiation of specific cells in vivo and is a potent mitogenic factor for a variety of cultured cells of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. The EGF precursor is believed to exist as a membrane-bound molecule which is proteolytically cleaved to generate the 53-amino acid peptide hormone that stimulates cells to divide. EGF stimulates the growth of various epidermal and epithelial tissues in vivo and in vitro and of some fibroblasts in cell culture. Long EGF is a recombinant analog of Human EGF developed as a replacement for use in therapeutic cell culture applications as a like-for-like supplement for Recombinant Human or native EGF. It includes the Human EGF amino acid sequence plus a 53 amino acid N-terminal extension peptide.

Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) was first characterized as a growth factor that supports the in-vitro colony formation of granulocytes-macrophages progenitor cells. It is a pleiotropic cytokine and a member of a family of endogenous cytokines of the hematopoietic system. GM-CSF is produced as a response to immune or inflammatory stimuli by activated cells of the hematopoietic system such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, mast cells and also fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells. It plays an important role in regulating the proliferation, differentiation, survival and activation of hematopoietic cells such as granulocytes and monocytes ,neutrophiles, basophiles and eosonophoiles, erythroid cells, megakaryocytes and T cells.
Human and mouse GM-CSF have about 56% homology and are species specific. Human GM-CSF is not active on mouse cells and vice versa. It is active on canine and feline cells.
GMCSF is 144 amino acids, 22kDa glycoprotein. It is composed of four bundles alpha helices. Its receptor is heterodimers with a ligand-specific alpha subunit and a betac subunit that is shared with the interleukin IL-3 and IL-5 receptors. This unusual form of receptor assembly likely applies also to IL-3 and IL-5 receptors. Cross-linking the two receptor subunits is required for receptor activation and signaling .
GMCSF has been shown to be involved in maturation, mobilization and antigen presentation of myeloid dentritic cells (DCs) in-vivo or ex-vivo. This function promotes Th1 immune responses, cytotoxcity, anti-angiogenesis as well as allergic inflammation, and the development of autoimmunity. Therefore GMCSF can be used in immunotherapy for the treatment of immune suppressed and immune-compromised patients as well as in veterinary medicine for the same purpose. GM-CSF is also important in regulation of embryo development and pregnancy and specifically in embryo implantation and subsequent development .

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.

Epidermal growth factor has a profound effect on the differentiation of specific cells in vivo and is a potent mitogenic factor for a variety of cultured cells of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. The EGF precursor is believed to exist as a membrane-bound molecule which is proteolytically cleaved to generate the 53-amino acid peptide hormone that stimulates cells to divide.
EGF stimulates the growth of various epidermal and epithelial tissues in vivo and in vitro and of some fibroblasts in cell culture.

Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 2 (HINT2) belongs to the triad proteins, which are nucleotide hydrolases and transferases that act on the alpha-phosphate of ribonucleotides. Hydrolase is most likely involved in steroid biosynthesis, furthermore it might play a role in apoptosis. HINT2 shows high expression in liver and pancreas. Expression is significantly down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-6 (FGF6) belongs to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess extensive mitogenic and cell survival functions, and are involved in various biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. The FGF6 gene displayes oncogenic transforming activity when transfected into mammalian cells. The mouse homolog of the FGF6 gene displays a restricted expression profile predominantly in the myogenic lineage, suggesting a role in muscle regeneration or differentiation.

PDGF-BB is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor family. The four members of this family are mitogenic factors for cells of mesenchymal origin and are characterized by a motif of eight cysteines. This gene product can exist either as a homodimer (PDGF-BB) or as a heterodimer with the platelet-derived growth factor alpha polypeptide (PDGF-AB), where the dimers are connected by disulfide bonds. Mutations in this gene are associated with meningioma. Reciprocal translocations between chromosomes 22 and 7, at sites where this gene and that for COL1A1 are located, are associated with a particular type of skin tumor called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans resulting from unregulated expression of growth factor. Two splice variants have been identified for this gene.

FIS1 is part of the mitochondrial complex that promotes mitochondrial fission. FIS1 induces cytochrome C discharge from the mitochondrion to the cytosol, eventually leading to apoptosis. FIS1 participates in peroxisomal growth and division. The C terminus is required for mitochondrial localisation, while the N teminus is necessary for mitochondrial fission.

Non-Metastatic Cells 4 or NME4, is a nucleoside diphosphate kinase located in the mitochondria, and is part of the NDK family of proteins. NME4 ais a very common enzyme that enhances transfer of gamma-phosphates, through a phosphohistidine as a intermediate, between dioxynucleoside tri- and diphosphates. NME4 is originated from the nm23 gene. NME4 has a crucial part in the creation of nucleoside triphosphates that are not ATP.

PRDX3 is part of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes, that reduces hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides. PRDX3 is particularly located in the mitochondria and involved in the regulation of cellular redox status by serving as a primary line of defense against H2O2 produced during respiration. PRDX3 is a significant regulator of the abundance of mitochondrial H(2)O(2), which itself promotes apoptosis in cooperation with other mediators of apoptotic signaling. PRDX3 mitochondrial protein is significantly decreased in Alzheimer Disease and Down Syndrome.

STAR facilitates the fast increase in pregnenolone synthesis stimulated by tropic hormones. STAR increases pregnenolone synthesis more than four-fold and a major STAR transcription of 1.6 kb is observed in ovary and testis. Throughout the growth and differentiation period of the ovary follicle, the immunoreactivity is likely to move from the granulosa cells of early antral follicles to the theca cell layers in the adult.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, Component X, also known as PDHX, encodes the E3 binding protein subunit of the PDH complex which contains 3 catalytic subunits. PDHX tethers E3 dimers to the E2 core of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes of eukaryotes. This specific binding is critical for a functional PDH complex.

Thioredoxin-2 is a low molecular weight redox protein. TRX2 contains a redox active disulfide/dithiol group within the conserved Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys active site. The TXN2 is involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and in protection against oxidant-induced apoptosis. Upon stimulation of Fas, TXN2 mediates denitrosylation of mitochondria-associated caspase-3, a process required for caspase-3 activation, and promoted apoptosis.
TRX2 is important at low oxidative stress conditions.
MTRX is involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death. Mitochondrial thioredoxin plays an important roles in protection against oxidant-induced apoptosis. Thioredoxin1 and thioredoxin2 have opposed regulatory functions on hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha.

A 16-kDa peptide hormone secreted from white adipocytes and implicated in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Leptin provides the key afferent signal from fat cells in the feedback system that controls body fat stores.

ALDH2 is part of the aldehyde dehydrogenase family of proteins which catalyze the chemical transformation from acetaldehyde to acetic acid. ALDH2 is the second enzyme of the major oxidative pathway of alcohol metabolism. ALDH2 has 2 major liver isoforms: cytosolic and mitochondrial, which differ by their electrophoretic mobilities, kinetic properties, and subcellular localizations. Nearly all Caucasians have 2 major isozymes, whereas roughly 50% of Orientals have only the cytosolic isozyme, omitting the mitochondrial isozyme. The extremely higher rate of acute alcohol intoxication with Orientals compared to Caucasians is due to the fact of the absence of mitochondrial isozyme. ALDH2 has a low Km for acetaldehydes, and is localized in mitochondrial matrix.

Adenylate kinases play a role in regulating the adenine nucleotide composition within a cell by catalyzing the reversible transfer of phosphate groups among adenine nucleotides. There are 3 types of adenylate kinase isozymes, AK1, AK2, and AK3 in vertebrates. Expression of these isozymes are tissue-specific and developmentally regulated. AK2 is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and is involved in apoptosis. AK2 is mutated in individuals with reticular dysgenesis.

DLD is an L protein of the mitochondrial glycine cleavage system which is also a component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, and the branched-chain alpha-keto acide dehydrogenase complex. DLD mutations were found in patients with E3-deficient maple syrup urine disease and lipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency.