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Galectins are a family of animal lectins with an affinity for beta-galactosides. This family has at least 14 identified members. Galectins share similarities in the CRD (the carbohydrate recognition domain). Galectins are synthesized as cytosolic proteins. Though localized principally in the cytoplasm and lacking a classical signal peptide, galectins can also be stimulated to secretion by non-classical pathways or alternatively targeted to the nucleus. Galectins are involved in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Human Galectin-7 belongs to the prototypical Galectins containing a single CRD, which is initially identified in human epidermis as a monomer. The Galectin-7 expression is induced by tumor suppressor protein p53 and associated with apoptosis. Galectin-7 is a pro-apoptotic protein which functions intracellularlly upstream of JNK activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. The correlation of Galectin-7 with the UV-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes presents a critical mechanism in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis. Human Galectin-7 is localized in both nucleus and cytoplasm.

Macrophage Scavenger Receptor 1, also known as MSR1 is a member of the class A macrophage scavenger receptors, which comprises three different types 1, 2 and 3 generated by alternative splicing. Furthermore, these receptors or isoforms are macrophage-specific trimeric integral membrane glycoproteins and have been implicated in many macrophage-associated physiological as well as pathological processes which include atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and host defense.

B2 microglobulin is an 11 kDa protein associated with the outer membrane of many cells including lymphocytes. It is the small subunit of the MHC class I molecule. Association with beta 2-microglobulin is generally required for the transport of class I heavy chains from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. ?2 microglobulin associates with class I-like molecules such as CD1 and Qa as well as with the alpha chain of MHC class I molecules. Very limited amounts of MHC class I molecules can be found on the surface in the absence of ?2 microglobulin. CD8 T cells cannot develop in the absence of MHC class I.
Beta 2-microglobulin is present in small amounts in serum, csf, and urine of normal people, and to a much greater degree in the urine and plasma of patients with tubular proteinaemia, renal failure, or kidney transplants. Human Beta 2 microglobulin levels can rise either because its rate of synthesis has increased (e.g. in AIDS, malignant monoclonal plasma cell dyscrasia, solid tumors and autoimmune disease) or because of impaired renal filtration (e.g. due to renal insufficiency, graft rejection or nephrotoxicity induced by post-transplantation immunosuppressive therapy). Beta-2 microglobulin levels might also be elevated in multiple myeloma and lymphoma cases. Dialysis-related amyloidosis develops after a long-term hemodialysis, it can aggregate into amyloid fibers that deposit in joint spaces.

Endothelial cells express three different vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, belonging to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). They are named VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1), VEGFR-3 (Flt-4). Their expression is almost exclusively restricted to endothelial cells, but VEGFR-1 can also be found on monocytes, dendritic cells and on trophoblast cells. The flt-1 gene was first described in 1990. The receptor contains seven immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains, a single transmembrane region and an intracellular splited tyrosine kinase domain. Compared to VEGFR-2 the Flt-1 receptor has a higher affinity for VEGF but a weaker signaling activity. VEGFR-1 thus leads not to proliferation of endothelial cells, but mediates signals for differentiation. Interestingly a naturally occuring soluble variant of VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) was found in HUVE supernatants in 1996, which is generated by alternative splicing of the flt-1 mRNA. The biological functions of sVEGFR-1 still are not clear, but it seems to be an endogenous regulator of angiogenesis, binding VEGF with the same affinity as the full-length receptor.

USE1 Belongs to the USE1 family, this protein is a vesicle transport protein. USE1 is a component of a SNAREcomplex consisting of STX18, USE1L, BNIP1/SEC20L and SEC22B. In addition USE1 interacts directly with STX18. SNARE maybe involved in targeting and fusion of Golgi-derived retrograde transport vesicles with the ER. Diseases associated with USE1 comprise dysentery and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Among its related super-pathways are Nicotine Pathway (Dopaminergic Neuron) and Pharmacodynamics. GO annotations related to this gene include protein binding.

Mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility 1 (MEMO1) is a member of the UPF0103 family. MEMO1 regulates cell migration by transmitting extracellular chemotactic signals to the microtubule cytoskeleton. Furthermore, MEMO1 controls the localization of APC and CLASP2 to the cell membrane, using the regulation of GSK3B activity. MEMO1 is essential for breast carcinoma cell migration, suggesting a key role in tumorigenesis. MEMO1 is also a mediator of ERBB2 signaling.

THYN1, is greatly conserved among vertebrates and plant types. TYHN1 takes part in the induction of apoptosis. THYN1 in the thymocytes was primarily found in the nucleus, as shown in lymphoma cells, demonstrating that the THYN1 is localized in the nucleus, regardless of the cyclic or resting stage of the cell cycle.

SAA1 protein is an acute phase apolipoprotein reactant which is produced mostly by hepatocytes and under regulation of inflammatory cytokines. SAA1 (Serum amyloid A1) protein is produced mainly in the liver and circulates in low levels in the blood. The SAA1 seems to have a role in the immune system. SAA1 protein levels increase in the blood and other tissues under conditions of inflammation. SAA1 may facilitate the repair of injured tissues; it also acts as an antibacterial agent, and signals the migration of germ-fighting cells to sites of infection. SAA1 also functions as an apolipoprotein of the HDL complex.
Elevated levels of SAA1 ultimately affect secondary amyloidosis, extracellular amassing of amyloid fibrils, resulting from a circulating precursor, in a variety of tissues and organs. The most widespread type of amyloidosis appears secondary to chronic inflammatory disease, mainly rheumatoid arthritis. The SAA1 cleavage product a designated amyloid protein A is deposited systemically as amyloid in vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys in chronic inflammatory diseases patients. These deposits are extremely insoluble and resistant to proteolysis; they disrupt tissue structure and compromise performance.

Advanced Glycosylation End Product-Specific Receptor or RAGE is an immunoglobulin, part of the immunoglobulin transmembrane proteins family. RAGE moderates interactions between advanced glycosylation end products, also known as AGE. These signaling has a crucial part in the regulation of TNFalpha,oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetesproduction and expression. RAGE helps the translocation of ABPP (amyloid-beta peptide) through the membrane of cells to the intracellular area in the cortical neurons.

HAX1 associates with hematopoietic cell-specific Lyn substrate 1, which is a substrate of Src family tyrosine kinases. HAX1 also interacts with the product of the polycystic kidney disease 2 gene, mutations in which are associated with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, and with the F-actin-binding protein, cortactin. It was earlier thought HAX1 is mainly localized to the mitochondria, however, recent studies indicate it to be localized in the cell body. Mutations in the HAX1 gene result in autosomal recessive severe congenital neutropenia, aka Kostmann disease.

HAX1 associates with hematopoietic cell-specific Lyn substrate 1, which is a substrate of Src family tyrosine kinases. HAX1 also interacts with the product of the polycystic kidney disease 2 gene, mutations in which are associated with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, and with the F-actin-binding protein, cortactin. It was earlier thought HAX1 is mainly localized to the mitochondria, however, recent studies indicate it to be localized in the cell body. Mutations in the HAX1 gene result in autosomal recessive severe congenital neutropenia, aka Kostmann disease.

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.

CD79B is a 36 kDa trans membrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Heterodimers of CD79A and CD79B connect with a membrane attached immunoglobulin on the B cell surface to create the B cell antigen receptor complex (BCR). CD79A and CD79B are essential for BCR-mediated signaling and subsequently for the development and activation of B lineage cells.

TGFB1-induced anti-apoptotic factor 1 (TIAF1) hinders the cytotoxic effects of TNF-alpha and overexpressed TNF receptor adapters TRADD, FADD, and RIPK1. The TIAF1 protein is involved in TGF-beta1 inhibition of IkappaB-alpha expression and suppression of TNF-mediated IkappaB-alpha degradation. TIAF1 is not detected in normal kidney and liver. TIAF1 is up-regulated in chronic and acute allograft rejection: expressed in the inflammatory infiltrate and in tubular epithelial cells.

The Defensin family are highly similar in their protein sequence and are microbicidal & cytotoxic peptides made by neutrophils. Beta Defensin-1 is an antimicrobial peptide having the resistance of epithelial surfaces to microbial colonization. Beta Defensin-1 has close proximity to Defensin Alpha-1 and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis.
Skin of patients having atopic dermatitis patients and mycosis fungoides (non-lesional and lesional) show lower human Beta Defensin-1 mRNA expression and higher human Beta Defensin-2 and human Beta Defensin-3 mRNA expression.
BBeta Defensin is highly expressed by epithelial cells.
Beta-defensin 1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis.
Variation in human Beta Defensin-1 contributes to asthma diagnosis, with apparent gender-specific effects. Human Beta Defensin-3 is a dimer, while Human BD-1 and Human BD-2 are monomeric. The expression of Human BD1 is correlated with induction profiles in gingival keratinocytes.
The level of expression of human DEFB1 mRNA is lower than that of human BD3 and human BD-2 in reconstructed epidermis.
Human BD1 is down-regulated in human prostatic and renal carcinomas.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein FABP4 is a 15 kDa member of the intracellular fatty acid binding protein (FABP) family, which is known for the ability to bind fatty acids and related compounds (bile acids or retinoids) in an internal cavity. FABP4 is expressed in a differentiation-dependent fashion in adipocytes and is a critical gene in the regulation of the biological function of these cells.
In mice, targeted mutations in FABP4 provide significant protection from hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the context of both dietary and genetic obesity. Adipocytes obtained from FABP4-deficient mice also have reduced efficiency of ipolysis in vitro and in vivo, and these mice exhibited moderately improved systemic dyslipidemia. Recent studies also demonstrated FABP4 expression in macrophages upon differentiation and activation. In these cells, FABP4 modulates inflammatory responses and cholesterol ester accumulation, and total or macrophage-specific FABP4 deficiency confers dramatic protection against atherosclerosis in the apoE-/- mice. These results indicate a central role for FABP4 in the development of major components of the metabolic syndrome through its distinct actions in adipocytes and macrophages.

NDRG1 is a cytoplasmic protein that is involved in stress responses, hormone responses, cell growth, and differentiation. NDRG1 is one of 4 members of the NDRG ?/?-hydrolase family. NDRG1 is classified in databases as a tumor suppressor and heavy metal-response protein. NDRG1’s functions include cell-cycle regulation, cellular differentiation, apoptosis, hypoxia response and metal-ion sensing. NDRG1 is also essential for p53-mediated caspase activation and apoptosis. The NDRG1 is a Rab4a effector that is involved in vesicular recycling of E-cadherin. NDRG1 is ubiquitous; it is expressed most notably in placental membranes and prostate, kidney, small intestine, and ovary tissues. NDRG1 has reduced expression in adenocarcinomas compared to normal tissues.
NDRG1 gene mutations are reported to be the cause for hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy-Lom (HMSNL), which is a severe autosomal recessive form of Charcot- Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. In addition, decreased NDRG1 expression in glioma is linked to tumor progression. On the other hand, overexpression of NDRG1 is connected to malignant status of esophageal cancer. NDRG1 may also have a role in portal vein invasion and intrahepatic metastasis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

CD28 co-stimulation is necessary for CD4 positive T-cell proliferation & survival, interleukin-2 production, and T-helper type-2 development. Human post-thymic regulatory T cells require CD28 co-stimulation to expand and maintain potent suppressive function in vivo. Apoptosis plays a key role in the age-related decline of CD28 expression and in immunosenescence.

Apolipoprotein C-I (APOC1) which expressed mainly in the liver is a part of the apolipoprotein C family. APOC1 which is usually found in plasma and responsible for the activation of esterified lechitin cholesterol takes an important part in the exchange of esterified cholesterol among lipoproteins and in removal of cholesterol from tissues. APOC1 is activated when monocytes differentiate into macrophages. APOC1 protein’s main role is to inhibit CETP by altering the electric charge of HDL molecules. APOC1 is also binds free fatty acids and reduces their intracellular esterification.

PTTG1 (Securin) is mainly involved in the regulation of sister chromatid separation during cell division. Securin is a regulatory protein, which has a central role in chromosome stability, in the p53/TP53 pathway, and DNA repair. Additional two roles have been identified for PTTG1; the first one is to facilitate the transport of separase (cysteine protease) to the nucleus and the second role is to hinder the catalytic activity of separase. PTTG1 is ubiquitinated by the APC (Anaphase Promoting Complex), and subsequently degraded by the Proteasome, releasing separase. During the mitosis, PTTG1 blocks Separase/ESPL1 function, thus preventing the proteolysis of the cohesin complex and the ensuing segregation of the chromosomes. However, PTTG1 function is not restricted to a blocking activity only, since it is required to activate ESPL1. PTTG1 is ubiquitinated at the beginning of anaphase, leading to its destruction and to the liberation of ESPL1.
PTTG1 contains two PXXP motifs, which are necessary for its transforming and tumorigenic activities, in addition to its stimulation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression. It also contains a D box (destruction box) which is essential for its degradation by the APC. The acidic C-terminal region of the Securin can function as a transactivation domain. Even though, PTTG1 is primarily a cytosolic protein, it partially localizes in the nucleus.
PTTG1 is highly expressed in various tumors; it also has transforming activity in vitro and tumorigenic activity in vivo. Furthermore, PTTG1 negatively regulates the transcriptional activity and related apoptosis activity of TP53.

CPPED1 which is a part of the metallophosphoesterase superfamily takes part in glucose uptake by adipocytes. CPPED1 binds two divalent metal cations and is transactivated by the great envelope protein of the hepatitis B virus.

EPCAM is a carcinoma-associated antigen and belongs to a family which includes at least 2 type I membrane proteins. The EPCAM protein has a role in embryonic stem cells proliferation and differentiation. EPCAM is used as a target for immunotherapy treatment of human carcinomas. EPCAM is expressed on most normal epithelial cells and gastrointestinal carcinomas and acts as a homotypic calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule. Epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EPCAM) can act as a physical homophilic interaction molecule between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) at the mucosal epithelium for supplying immunological barrier as a first line of defense against mucosal infection. EPCAM gene mutations result in congenital tufting enteropathy.