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The human FGF-9 cDNA encodes a 208 amino acid residue protein that contains a single, potential N-linked glycosylation site. The native protein is glycosylated and is efficiently secreted after synthesis, although FGF -9 lacks a typical secretion signal. Rat and mouse FGF-9 show a very high homology to human FGF-9. The transcripts for FGF-9 have been found in brain and in kidney tissue. Fibroblast Growth Factor-9 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. FGF9 was isolated as a secreted factor that exhibits a growth-stimulating effect on cultured glial cells. In nervous system, this protein is produced mainly by neurons and may be important for glial cell development. Expression of the mouse homolog of this gene was found to be dependent on Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. Mice lacking the homolog gene displayed a male-to-female sex reversal phenotype, which suggested a role in testicular embryogenesis Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 may have a role in glial cell growth and differentiation during development, gliosis during repair and regeneration of brain tissue after damage, differentiation and survival of neuronal cells, and growth stimulation of glial tumors.

A natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp46 has been shown to represent a novel NK cell-specific molecule involved in human NK cell activation. The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) are a recently characterized family of Ig-like activation receptors that appear to be major triggering receptors in tumor cell recognition. The three known NCRs include NKp46 and NKp30, which are expressed on circulating NKcells, and NKp44, which is expressed only on activating NK cells. NKp46 has been implicated in NK cell-mediated lysis of several autologous tumor cells, pathogen-infected cell lines and mononuclear phagocytes infected with an intracellular bacterium. The Lysis of tumor cells by NK-cells involves recognition by NKp46 of heparan sulfate moieties of membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Furthermore, NKp46 is a surface receptor involved in NK-cell cell death by apoptosis. NKp46 has two extracellular Ig-like domains followed by a ~40 residue stalk region, a type I transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular Ig-like domain of NKp46 (22-255aa) is purified by FPLC gel-filtration chromatography, after refolding of the isolated inclusion bodies in a redox buffer. In addition, engagement of the antigen with the monoclonal antibody stimulates intracellular calcium levels and the synthesis of cytokines. CD59 is an NKp46 coreceptor (by physical association) together they activate cytotoxicity of human NK-cells, their engagement results in tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3-zeta chains associated with NKp46. Reduced cell surface expression of NKp46 and other NK-cell receptors is linked to the impaired NK-cell cytolytic function in viremic HIV-1 infection.

The FGFs are a family of more than 20 small (~17–26 kDa) secreted peptides. The initial characterization of these proteins focused on their ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation. This mitogenic activity was mediated through FGF receptors (FGFRs) 1, 2, or 3. A fourth closely related tyrosine kinase receptor (FGFR4) was able to bind the FGFs but did not lead to a mitogenic response.
FGFs modulate cellular activity via at least 5 distinct subfamilies of high-affinity FGF receptors (FGFRs): FGFR-1, -2, -3, and -4, all with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and, except for FGFR-4, multiple splice isoforms, and FGFR-5, which lacks an intracellular kinase domain. There is growing evidence that FGFRs can be important for regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. The overexpression of a dominant negative form of FGFR-1 in ? cells leads to diabetes in mice, which thus implies that proper FGF signaling is required for normal ? cell function and glycemia maintenance. FGFR-2 appears to be a key molecule during pancreatic development. Moreover, FGFR-4 has been implicated in cholesterol metabolism and bile acid synthesis.
FGF-19, has been shown to cause resistance to diet-induced obesity and desensitization and to improve, glucose, and lipid profiles in diabetic rodents. Since these effects, at least in part, are mediated through the observed changes in metabolic rates, FGF-19 can be considered as a regulator of energy expenditure.
FGF-21 is preferentially expressed in liver, but an exact knowledge of FGF-21 bioactivity and its mode of action have been lacking to date. FGF-21 is a potent activator of glucose uptake on adipocytes, protects animals from diet-induced obesity when overexpressed in transgenic mice, and lowers blood glucose and triglyceride levels when therapeutically administered to diabetic rodents.

The FGFs are a family of more than 20 small (~17–26 kDa) secreted peptides. The initial characterization of these proteins focused on their ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation. This mitogenic activity was mediated through FGF receptors (FGFRs) 1, 2, or 3. A fourth closely related tyrosine kinase receptor (FGFR4) was able to bind the FGFs but did not lead to a mitogenic response.
FGFs modulate cellular activity via at least 5 distinct subfamilies of high-affinity FGF receptors (FGFRs): FGFR-1, -2, -3, and -4, all with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and, except for FGFR-4, multiple splice isoforms, and FGFR-5, which lacks an intracellular kinase domain. There is growing evidence that FGFRs can be important for regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. The overexpression of a dominant negative form of FGFR-1 in ? cells leads to diabetes in mice, which thus implies that proper FGF signaling is required for normal ? cell function and glycemia maintenance. FGFR-2 appears to be a key molecule during pancreatic development. Moreover, FGFR-4 has been implicated in cholesterol metabolism and bile acid synthesis.
FGF-19, has been shown to cause resistance to diet-induced obesity desensitization and to improve glucose, and lipid profiles in diabetic rodents. Since these effects, at least in part, are mediated through the observed changes in metabolic rates, FGF-19 can be considered as a regulator of energy expenditure.
FGF-21 is preferentially expressed in liver, but an exact knowledge of FGF-21 bioactivity and its mode of action have been lacking to date. FGF-21 is a potent activator of glucose uptake on adipocytes, protects animals from diet-induced obesity when overexpressed in transgenic mice, and lowers blood glucose and triglyceride levels when therapeutically administered to diabetic rodents.

The somatomedins, or insulin-like growth factors (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 (GH; MIM 139250). 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' (Daughaday et al., 1972). Three main somatomedins have been characterized: somatomedin C (IGF1), somatomedin A (IGF2; MIM 147470), and somatomedin B (MIM 193190) (Rotwein, 1986; Rosenfeld, 2003).

Fibroblast Growth Factor 17 (FGF17) belongs to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members have broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in various biological processes including embryonic development cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. The FGF17 gene is highly expressed in the cerebellum and cortex. The mouse homolog of the FGF17 gene is localized to specific sites in the midline structures of the forebrain, the midbrain-hindbrain junction, developing skeleton and developing arteries, suggesting a role in central nervous system, bone and vascular development.

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a member of a family of DNA-binding proteins which includes the AP-1 family of transcription factors, cAMP-response element binding proteins and CREB-like proteins. The ATF4 gene encodes a transcription factor which was initially identified as a widely expressed mammalian DNA binding protein that could bind a tax-responsive enhancer element in the LTR of HTLV-1.

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Receptor, also known as CNTFR is a member of the type I cytokine receptor family. CNTFR binds to CNTF. The alpha subunit provides the receptor specificity. Sole nucleotide polymorphisms in CNTFR has been associated with variations in muscle strength, in addition to early onset of eating disorders.

NCR2 is a member of the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) family and holds 1 immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domain. NCR2 cooperates with TYROBP/DAP12 and is specifically expressed by activated NK cells and by in vitro cultured TCRg/d lymphoid cells. NCR2 is a cytotoxicity-activating receptor which induces the amplified efficiency of activated natural killer (NK) cells to mediate tumor cell lysis.

TNFRSF14, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is a type I transmembrane protein. TNFRSF14 is expressed in peripheral blood T cells, B cells, monocytes and in various tissues enriched in lymphoid cells. TNFRSF14 operates as a co-stimulatory factor for the activation of lymphoid cells and as a deterrent to infection by herpesvirus. Additionally, TNFRSF14 encourages the proliferation of T cells, and triggers apoptosis of various tumor cells.

Cleavage stimulation factor subunit 1 (CSTF1) is involved in the polyadenylation and 3'end cleavage of pre-mRNAs. The CSTF1 gene encodes one of three subunits which merge to produce cleavage stimulation factor (CSTF). Like the mammalian G protein beta subunits, CSTF1 contains transducin-like repeats. CSTF1 is one of the numerous factors necessary for polyadenylation and 3'-end cleavage of mammalian pre-mRNAs. CSTF1 is responsible for the interaction of CSTF with other factors to create a stable complex on the pre-mRNA.

Cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) is a 201 amino acid member of the interleukin-6 superfamily. It was identified by its ability to induce hypertrophic response in cardiac myocytes. CT-1 mRNA levels were found both in cardiac myocytes and in cardiac nonmyocytes. CT 1 was also detected in abundance in normal adult human lung and was expressed in both fetal and adult airway smooth muscle cells. CT 1 activates gp130 dependent signaling and stimulates the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway to transduce hypertrophic and cytoprotective signals in cardiac myocytes.
CT 1 has also a neurotrophic function. CTF1 deficiency causes increased motoneuron cell death in spinal cord and brainstem nuclei of mice during a period between embryonic day 14 and the first postnatal week. Moreover, CT-1 is a hepatocyte survival factor that efficiently reduces hepatocellular damage in animal models of acute liver injury. Cardiotrophin 1 expression is augmented after hypoxic stimulation and it can protect cardiac cells when added either prior to simulated ischaemia or at the time of reoxygenation following simulated ischaemia. Cardiotrophin 1 can induce expression of the protective heat shock proteins (hsps) in cardiac cells.
Cardiotrophin-1 increased ventricular expression of ANP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and angiotensinogen mRNA.
Cardiophin 1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with heart failure, patients with dilatative cardiomyopathy, moderate/severe mitral regurgitation, stable and unstable angina and after acute myocardial infarction.

Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 2 (EEF2) which is necessary factor for protein synthesis is a part of the GTP-binding translation elongation factor family. EEF2 catalyzes the GTP-dependent ribosomal translocation step during translation elongation. EEF2 is also catalyzes the coordinated movement of the mRNA as well as the 2 tRNA molecules and conformational changes in the ribosome. EF-2 kinase phosporylation inactivates the EEF2 protein.

This gene is a member of the EPO/TPO family and encodes a secreted, glycosylated cytokine composed of four alpha helical bundles. The protein is found in the plasma and regulates red cell production by promoting erythroid differentiation and initiating hemoglobin synthesis. This protein also has neuroprotective activity against a variety of potential brain injuries and antiapoptotic functions in several tissue types.

OCIA domain-containing protein 2 (OCIAD2) is a protein-coding gene which localizes to endosomes and contains one Ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen (OCIA) domain. Among the associated diseases with OCIAD2 are bronchiolo-alveolar adenocarcinoma, and ovarian mucinous neoplasm. OCIAD1 is an important paralog of this gene.

Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) acts as a transcription factor and takes part in the initiation of neuronal differentiation. TCF4 recognizes an Ephrussi-box ('E-box') binding site ('CANNTG') - a motif primary identified in immunoglobulin enhancers. TCF4 is mainly expressed in pre-B-cells, even though it is present in other tissues as well.

Ubiquitin-like-conjugating enzyme ATG10 (ATG10) is a 220 amino acid protein which localizes to the cytoplasm and has a role in autophagy, specifically acting as an E2-like enzyme providing Atg recognition sites during autophagosome synthesis. ATG10 functions as an E2-like enzyme which catalyzes the conjugation of ATG12 to ATG5, which is required for autophagy. In addition, ATG10 interacts with ATG12 in human embryonic kidney cells in the presence of ATG7. ATG10 probably serves as an ATG5-recognition molecule. Furthermore, ATG10 has a role in adenovirus-mediated cell lysis.

FLT3 ligand is a receptor for the fl cytokine has a tyrosine-protein kinase activity & a growth factor that regulates proliferation of early hematopoietic cells. Flt3-Ligand synergizes with other CSFs and interleukins to induce growth and differentiation.

KIT, also known as KIT Proto-Oncogene Receptor Tyrosine, is a cytokine receptor which is expressed not only in hematopoietic stem cells but likewise in other cell types. KIT binds to receptor tyrosine kinase type III, which is a stem cell factor, also named a "rigid factor" or "c-kit ligand". Once this receptor binds to stem cell factor (SCF), it forms a dimer which activates intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, which sequentially phosphorylates & activates signaling molecules which breed signals in cells. This receptor protects vascular smooth muscle cells from apoptosis in addition to restoring cardiac function after myocardial infarction.

Eledoisin is an undecapeptide formed in the venom gland of several species of octopuses and is used as a vasodilator and a contraction agent of extravascular smooth muscle.

Transcription factor MafG (MAFG) is a member of the Maf family. Given that they lack a putative transactivation domain, the small Mafs act as transcriptional repressors when they dimerize amongst themselves. Nevertheless, they seem to function as transcriptional activators by dimerizing with other (generally larger) basic-zipper proteins and engaging them to specific DNA-binding sites. Small Maf proteins heterodimerize with Fos and may function as competitive repressors of the NF-E2 transcription factor.

S100A6 is a member of the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are localized either in the cytoplasm or the nucleus of a wide range of cells. S100 proteins are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. There are at least 13 members in the S100 gene family, which are located as a cluster on chromosome 1q21. S100A6 function in stimulation of prolactin secretion and exocytosis. Chromosomal rearrangements and altered expression of the S100A6 gene are implicated in melanoma.

Filamin is a large (270kd) dimeric actin crosslinking protein from a variety of sources, which helps to stabilize the 3D cortical actin network. The fundamental structure of filamin is well conserved and consists of an actin binding domain at the N-terminus followed by a C-terminal rod domain consisting of numerous repeat segments ranging from 4 in C. elegans to 24 in mammalian cells. Each repeat in the rod domain consists of roughly 100 residues and forms an immunoglobulin like fold. Such immunoglobulin folds have been found in a variety of proteins and are responsible for protein-protein interactions. Filamin Human actin-binding protein (ABP), aka filamin, crosslinks actin filaments into orthogonal networks in cortical cytoplasm and participates in the anchoring of membrane proteins for the actin cytoskeleton. Mammalian filamin interacts directly with at least 30 proteins such as transmembrane receptors, second messenger-associated proteins, protein kinases, phosphatases and cytoskeletal proteins and these interactions have been shown to require one or more of the repeat elements in the rod domain.

Transforming growth factor betas (TGFBetas) mediate many cell-cell interactions which occur during embryonic development. Three TGFBetas have been identified in mammals. TGFBeta1, TGFBeta2 and TGFBeta3 are each synthesized as precursor proteins which are very similar in that each is cleaved to yield a 112 amino acid polypeptide which remains associated with the latent portion of the molecule.