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Dendritic cell and monocyte chemokinelike protein (DMC/CXCL17/VEGF-correlated chemokine 1/VCC1), is a secreted molecule with a size and predicted 3-dimensional folding pattern similar to that of chemokines CXCL8/IL8 and CXCL14/BRAK. CXCL17 is constitutively generated by airway and intestinal epithelium. CXCL17 induces the chemotaxis of quiescent, but not LPS-activated peripheral blood monocytes and dendritic cells, and it also binds these cells specifically. The expression of CXCL17 is increased in endothelial cells when they are induced to form tubes in vitro. CXCL17, CXCL1/GRO and CXCL8/IL8 which have roles in angiogenesis, show significantly correlated expression with that of VEGF in primary lung, breast and esophageal tumors. Therefore, CXCL17 is suggested to have a role in tumor angiogenesis. The mature Rat CXCL17 shares 82%, 71% amino acid sequence identity with mouse, human CXCL17, respectively.

RHOV belongs to the Rho family and to the small GTPase superfamily. RHOV is a 236 aa protein which regulates the actin cytoskeleton by activating the JNK pathway. RHOV is expressed in placenta, pancreas and fetal brain and operates as a lipid anchor at the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane.

Amine Oxidase Copper Containing 1 or AOC1 is n enzyme, part of the copper-containing amine oxidase group of proteins. AOC1 is responsible for oxidation of many different biogenic amines, such as neurotransmitters, xenobiotic amines & histamine. Dietary histamine intolerance and histaminosis can be caused from AOC1 deficiencies. This enzyme can also cause Tumor Progression by AKT & EMT transduction promotion in stomach cancer.

Interleukin-1 ra is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. This protein inhibits the activities of interleukin 1, alpha (IL1A) and interleukin 1, beta (IL1B), and modulates a variety of interleukin 1 related immune and inflammatory responses. This gene and five other closely related cytokine genes form a gene cluster spanning approximately 400 kb on chromosome 2. A polymorphism of this gene is reported to be associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and gastric cancer. Four alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.

RANKL binds to tnfrsf11b/opg and to tnfrsf11a/rank. Osteoclast differentiation and activation factor. Augments the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate naive t-cell proliferation. May be an important regulator of interactions between t-cells and dendritic cells and may play a role in the regulation of the t-cell-dependent immune response. sRANKL may also play an important role in enhanced bone-resorption in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. By injecting soluble RANKL, novel osteopenia model mice were established in only 50 hours. Degree of bone loss can be controlled by changing doses of sRANKL. RANKL can be used in establishing osteopenia model for in vivo screening of drugs for osteoporosis, determination of effect and mechanism, evaluation of bone anabolic drugs.

Centromere proteins are a group of proteins which form and/or mediate the function of centromeres, the central structures of chromosomes to which spindle fibers/microtubuli attach and pull the chromosomes apart in cell division. Currently, 9 centromere proteins are known and designated CENPA to CENP-I. Most of the centromere proteins are targets of autoantibodies, the anti-centromere antibodies.
CENPB is the most important of the centromeric autoantigens: it has a molecular weight of approx. 66 kDa and plays an important role in the formation of the centromeric chromatin. CENPB antibodies are present in the sera of up to 80% of patients with CREST syndrome.

Breast Cancer Anti-Estrogen Resistance 1 (BCAR1) is a Src family kinase substrate which takes part in a range of cellular events such as migration, survival, transformation, and invasion. BCAR1 plays a vital role for tyrosine kinase-based signaling related to cell adhesion.

NFKBIA belongs to the I-kappa-B family of proteins which is separated into four groups (IkB-a, IkB-b, IkB-g, IkB-e). NFKBIA inhibits the NFkB complex by binding and impounding it in the cytoplasm. When stimulated, NFKBIA is phosphorylated on serine residues targeting it for degradation by the ubiquitin pathway.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 7 (IGFBP7) is a member of the IGFBP family. IGFBP family members are all cysteine rich proteins with conserved cysteine and have an IGFBP domain, a Kazal-like domain and an Ig-like C2-type domain. IGFBP7 is expressed in a broad range of normal human tissues and it mostly shows reduced expression in cancer cell lines of prostate, breast, colon, and lung origin. IGFBP7 has a role in skeletal myogenesis by binding to IGF in a manner which inhibits IGF induced differentiation of skeletal myoblasts, without disturbing IGF induced proliferation. Moreover, IGFBP7 suppresses growth and colony formation of prostate and breast cancer cell lines via an IGF independent mechanism, which triggers a delay in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and increased apoptosis.

Fc Fragment Of IgA Receptor, also known as FCAR, is part of the multichain immune recognition receptor family which is the most abundant immunoglobulin in mucosal areas however it is only the second most common antibody isotype in serum. FCAR participates in both pro-and anti-inflammatory responses depending on the state of IgA bound. FCAR is also a vital Fc receptor for neutrophil killing of tumor cells. Once FCAR expressing neutrophils interact with IgA-opsonized tumor cells, the neutrophils not only show antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, but also release the cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β which cause increased neutrophil migration to the site.

Thyroglobulin (TG) represents one of the main autoantigenic targets in autoimmune thyroid disease of humans. TG is a large globular dimeric glycoprotein with a total molecular weight of 660 kDa, which occupies a key precursor role in the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones. Approximately 75% of the total protein content of the thyroid follicle consists of TG. The thyroid gland uses the Thyroglobulin in order to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroglobulin is produced by the thyroid epithelial cells (thyrocytes) which form spherical follicles. Thyroglobulin is subsequently secreted and stored in the follicular lumen.
Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, frequently develop antibodies against Thyroglobulin. Tg-specific antibodies help in the diagnosis of the above diseases, however they also may be present in apparently healthy euthyroid individuals. Blood Thyroglobulin levels can be used as a tumor marker for certain kinds of thyroid cancer, and the may also be elevated in cases of Graves' disease.

Secreted Protein Acidic & Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) protein is coded by the SPARC gene in humans. SPARC is a glycoprotein located in bones that binds to calcium. SPARC is produced by fibroblasts, capillary endothelial cells, platelets and macrophages, mainly in areas of tissue morphogenesis and remodelling. Asides from calcium, SPARC can also bind to collagen.

RELM-beta (Resistin-Like Molecule-beta) is a member of a recently identified family of secreted proteins containing a conserved cystein-rich C-terminus. The RELM family consists of resistin (also called FIZZ3), RELM-alfa (FIZZ1), RELM-beta (FIZZ2) and RELM-gamma. Only resisistin and RELM-beta were found in humans whereas all four RELM family members were identified in rodents.
RELM-beta appears to be produced as a homodimer exclusively by intestinal goblet cells and can be found in high quantities in stool. Remarkably, stool of germ-free mice displaying sterile intestinal tract does not contain RELM-beta until bacterial colonization takes place after pathogen-free mice entered natural environment. Some, but not all, colon carcinoma cell lines secrete RELM-beta into the cell culture supernatant.
The physiological function of RELM-beta is not known. High doses of recombinant RELM-beta showed hyperglycemic effects including lowered glucose disposal and increased hepatic glucose production in mice.

BMP2 belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) superfamily. Bone morphogenic protein induces bone formation. BMP2 is a candidate gene for the autosomal dominant disease of fibrodysplasia (myositis) ossificans progressiva.

NFKB inhibitor interacting Ras-like 2 (NKIRAS2) is an inhibitor of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. NKIRAS2 is similar to the Ras-like small GTPases which associate with IkappaB. The Ras-like proteins- NKIRAS1 and NKIRAS2, interact with the PEST domains of I?B? and I?B? and reduce their rate of degradation. NKIRAS2 is an atypical Ras-like protein which functions as a potent regulator of NF-kappa-B activity by preventing the degradation of NF-kappa-B inhibitor beta (NFKBIB) by most signals, explaining why NFKBIB is more impervious to degradation.

Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) belongs to the Tdpoz family containing one N-terminal MATH (Meprin and TRAF homology) domain and one C-terminal BTB/POZ domain. SPOP inhibits IPF1/PDX1 transactivation of established target promoters, may be by recruiting a repressor complex. SPOP is involved in ubiquitinylation and protein degradation as a result of an interaction with CUL-3.

Alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M) is a lipocalin superfamily member (kernal lipocalins). A1M is a low molecular weight protein component of plasma. A1M is distributed in plasma and extravascular compartments of all organs. Alpha-1 Microglobulin is found in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. The primary sites of A1M synthesis are the liver and the kidney. Around the opening of the lipocalin pocket three lysyl residues are situated; those residues carry yellow-brown modification derived from the binding and degradation of heme and kynurenin (a tryptophan metabolite). A1-Microglobulin’s reductase and dehydrogenase have broad biological substrate specificity properties due to its’ free cysteine side-chain which is located in a flexible loop. Alpha-1-microglobulin is glycosylated by three separate carbohydrate chains: two complex carbohydrates which are N-linked to asparagines at residues 17 and 96, and the other simple carbohydrate which is O-linked to threonine at position 5. The carbohydrates comprise 22% of the total molecular mass of the protein. The glycosylation varies between species. A1M exists in two forms- a free form and complexed to other macromolecules: in humans- complexed to immunoglobulin A (IgA), in rat- complexed to alpha-1-inhibitor-3. Free A1M is exceptionally heterogeneous in charge (therefore also known as protein HC), and is found tightly linked to a chromophore. The free Alpha-1-microglobulin is a monomeric protein composed of one 188 residue polypeptide and contains three cysteines, two of which (residues 75 and 173) form a conserved intra-molecular disulphide link. The chromophoric group is covalently bound to the free cysteine residue at position 34. A1M binds retinol as a major ligand, but this is probably distinct from its covalent chromophore. Half of all human plasma A1M (approximately 0.03mg/ml) forms a 1:1 complex with about 5% of plasma immunoglobulin A. The resulting macromolecular complexes’ molecular weight is 200000, and a plasma concentration of 0.3mg/ml. The complex can exhibit both antibody activity and affect many of the biological actions of free Alpha-1-microglobulin. Alpha-1-microglobulin was first discovered in pathological human urine. It was suggested that A1M might be involved in tissue defense against reactive oxygen species, oxidation by heme and kynurenin. Evidence also suggests that A1M functions in the regulation of the immune system. Other functions include: inhibition of stimulation of cultured lymphocytes by protein antigens; induction of cell division of lymphocytes, a mitogenic effect that can either be enhanced or inhibited by the action of other plasma components; inhibition of neutrophil granulocyte migration in vitro; and inhibition of chemotaxis.
Other functions include inhibition of stimulation of cultured lymphocytes by protein antigens; induction of cell division of lymphocytes, a mitogenic effect that can either be enhanced or inhibited by the action of other plasma components; inhibition of neutrophil granulocyte migration in vitro; and inhibition of chemotaxis.

C-JUN is a gene which, in combination with c-Fos, forms the AP-1early response transcription factor. C-JUN is activated by the JNKpathway. C-JUN is the putative transforming gene of avian sarcoma virus 17. C-JUN is a protein which is highly similar to the viral protein, and which interacts directly with specific target DNA sequences to regulate gene expression. The C-JUN gene is intronless and is mapped to 1p32-p31, a chromosomal region involved in both translocations and deletions in human malignancies.

Recombinant Human Sonic Hedgehog is part of a small group of secreted proteins that are vital for development in both vertebrates and invertebrates. 3 mammalian hedgehog genes (sonic, desert, Indian) share about 60% homology. The Human Sonic Hedgehog is 99% homologous to the mouse gene. Sonic HedgeHog helps in guiding the early embryo. It has been associated as the major inductive signal in patterning of the ventral neural tube, the anterior-posterior limb axis, and the ventral somites. Sonic HedgeHog binds to the patched receptor, which association with smoothened, to activate the transcription of target genes. In the absence of sonic HedgeHog, patched receptor represses the constitutive signaling activity of smoothened. Sonic HedgeHog also regulates another factor, the gli oncogene. Sonic HedgeHog intercellular signal is necessary for a various patterning events during development: signal produced by the notochord that induces ventral cell fate in the neural tube and somites, and the polarizing signal for patterning of the anterior-posterior axis of the developing limb bud. Sonic HedgeHog exhibits both floor plate- and motor neuron-inducing activity. Mutations in a long-range Sonic HedgeHog enhancer located in an intron of the limb region 1 gene result in preaxial polydactyly.

UCN119B is a member of the PDE6D/unc-119 family. UCN119B has a large number of photoreceptors of the retina. Additionaly, UCN119B has a strong homology with the C. elegans unc119 and is able to functionally complement the C. elegans unc119 mutation gene.

BAG1 binds to BCL2 and is also called BCL2-associated athanogene. BAG1 increases the anti-apoptotic effects of BCL2 and is characterizes as a link between growth factor receptors and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. BAG1 inhibits the chaperone activity of HSP70/HSC70 by promoting substrate release. BAG1 inhibits the pro-apoptotic function of PPP1R15A, and has anti-apoptotic activity. BAG1 enhances the anti-cell death function of BCL2 induced by various stimuli.

Ras-related protein Rab-21 (RAB21) belongs to the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. Rab21 is an integrin-associated protein and a positive regulator of integrin traffic. Rab21 associates with the cytoplasmic domains of alpha-integrin chains and their expression influences the endo/exocytic traffic of integrins. This function of Rab21 depends on its GTP/GDP cycle and right membrane targeting.

Steroid receptor RNA activator 1 (SRA1) occurs as both an RNA transcript and as constantly expressed proteins. In addition, SRA1 mediates transcriptional coactivation of steroid receptors ligand-dependently via the steroid-binding domain (AF-2). SRA1 augments cellular proliferation and differentiation and stimulates apoptosis in vivo. SRA1 has a role in tumorigenesis. SRA1 participates in some activities such as: metabolism, adipogenesis and chromatin organization.

Cell surface glycoprotein MUC18 (MCAM), is an integral membrane glycoprotein which is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily. MCAM is related with a variety of carcinomas such as tumor progression, metastasis and is also implicated in embryonic neural development. In Addition, MCAM takes part in cell adhesion, as well as in cohesion of the endothelial monolayer at the intercellular junctions in vascular tissue.