Search results

ARL4A is related Specifically to ARL6 and ARL7 and belongs to the ARF-like protein (ARL) subfamily of small GTPases. However, unlike ARFs, ARL4 does not activate the cholera toxin ADP-ribosyltranferase. ARL4A takes part in neurogenesis during embryonic development and somitogenesis in the early stages of adult spermatogenesis.

Energy Homeostasis Associated (ENHO) participates in glucose homeostasis maintenance and lipid metabolism. ENHO is expressed in the liver and the brain. The role of ENHO in obesity or diabetes is studied.

TIMP2 belongs to the TIMP gene family. The proteins encoded by this gene family are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases, a group of peptidases that take part in degradation of the extracellular matrix. Besides having an inhibitory role against metalloproteinases, the encoded protein has a exclusive part among TIMPfamily members in its capability to directly suppress the proliferation of endothelial cells. Consequently, the encoded protein is crucial to the conservation of tissue homeostasis by suppressing the production of quiescent tissues as an answer to angiogenic factors, and by inhibiting protease activity in tissues undergoing renovation of the extracellular matrix.

Integrins are heterodimeric proteins consist of alpha and beta subunits. There are more than 18 alpha and 8 beta subunits discovered in mammals. Integrin family members are membrane receptors that participates in cell adhesion and recognition in a variety of processes including embryogenesis, hemostasis, tissue repair, immune response and metastatic diffusion of tumor cells. ITGB1 encodes a beta subunit.

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).

Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) is one of several forms of glutamic acid decarboxylase. GAD1 is responsible for catalyzing the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid from L-glutamic acid. A pathogenic role for the GAD1 enzyme has been identified in the human pancreas since it has been detected as an autoantigen and an autoreactive T cell target type II diabetes. The GAD1 protein may also have a role in the stiff man syndrome. GAD1 enzyme deficiency leads to pyridoxine dependency with seizures. GAD1 also catalyzes the production of GABA.

GOT1 is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme which exists in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial forms, GOT1 and GOT2, which participate in amino acid metabolism and the urea and tricarboxylic acid cycles. Both enzymes are homodimeric and show close homology.

MAT1A catalyzes a two-step reaction that involves the transfer of the adenosyl moiety of ATP to methionine to form S-adenosylmethionine and tripolyphosphate, which is subsequently cleaved to PPi and Pi. S-adenosylmethionine is the source of methyl groups for most biological methylations. MAT1A is found as a homotetramer (MAT I) or a homodimer (MAT III) whereas a third form, MAT II (gamma), is encoded by the MAT2A gene. Mutations in MAT1A gene are associated with methionine adenosyltransferase deficiency. MAT1A expression also correlates with a differentiated phenotype, whereas liver cells expressing MAT2A present a dedifferentiated phenotype and lowered AdoMet synthesis. Likewise, NFκB and TNFα cause a switch from MAT1A to MAT2A expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which facilitates cancer cell growth.

RAP1A is part of the family of RAS-related proteins which possess 50% amino acid identity with the classical RAS proteins and have various structural characteristics in common. RAP proteins differ from RAS proteins in their 61st amino acid, glutamine in RAS is replaced by threonine in RAP proteins. RAP1A induces morphological reversion of a cell line transformed by a Ras oncogene and counteracts the mitogenic function of Ras, since it can interact with Ras GAPs and RAF in a competitive manner.

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.
Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity. Steppan et al. have suggested that resistin suppresses the ability to stimulate glucose uptake. 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.

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 hydrophobic 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 and insulin resistance. Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity to insulin. Steppan et al. have suggested that resistin suppresses the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake. 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 severely 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.

Interleukin-1b is produced by activated macrophages, IL-1B stimulates thymocyte proliferation by inducing il-2 release, b-cell maturation and proliferation, and fibroblast growth factor activity. IL1B proteins are involved in the inflammatory response, being identified as endogenous pyrogens, and are reported to stimulate the release of prostaglandin and collagenase from synovial cells.

IL10 is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and to a lesser extent by lymphocytes. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II Ags, and costimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. This cytokine can block NF-kappa B activity, and is involved in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Knockout studies in mice suggested the function of this cytokine as an essential immunoregulator in the intestinal tract.

Defensins form a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides made by neutrophils. Members of the defensin family are highly similar in protein sequence. This gene encodes defensin, beta 103A, which has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and may play an important role in innate epithelial defense.

IFN-alpha is produced by macrophages and has antiviral activities. Interferon stimulates the production of two enzymes: protein kinase and an oligoadenylate synthetase.

Alarelin (Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) is a synthetic LH-RH agonist that is found in higher amounts than that of LH-RH in rat hypophyseal stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in vivo and in vitro and in ovulation inductions. Alarelin is known for its induction of ovulation. Alarelin acetate is the acetate form of a hypothalamic peptide that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

E.Coli Acetate Kinase, also knowns as ACKA, catalyzes the formation of acetyl phosphate from acetate and ATP and also catalyzes the reverse reaction. ACKA takes part in synthesis of various ATP formed catabolically during anaerobic growth of the organism.

S100A7 is a member of the S-100 family of calcium binding proteins and is produced through a non-classical secretory pathway to the cytoplasm. S100A7 takes part in the regulation of several cellular courses, such as cell cycle, cell progression and cellular differentiation. S100A7 holds two EF-hand domains and is extremely upregulated in psoriatic epidermis, in addition to bladder squamous cell carcinoma and breast cancer tissue, signifying a probable part in carcinogenesis.

Cystatin-A is the intracellular inhibitor of cysteine proteinase cathepsin B (CatB) and belongs to family 1 of the cystatin superfamily of inhibitor proteins. CSTA is a stefin that functions as a cysteine protease inhibitor, forming tight complexes with papain and the cathepsins B, H, and L. It has been proposed that extracellular CatB together with other classes of proteinases are all subjected to a cascade-like manner of activation. CatB and its inhibitor Cystatin-A are involved in degradation of extracellular matrix proteins during tissue remodeling. CSTA is one of the precursor proteins of cornified cell envelope in keratinocytes and plays a role in epidermal development and maintenance. Cystatin-A has been reported to be found in high concentrations in epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphoid tissue. Stefins may be used as prognostic and diagnostic tools for cancer.

SAR1A is a member of the small GTPase superfamily. SAR1A is a vital component of COPII vesicle coats involved in export of cargo from the ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum). The GTPase activity of SAR1A serves as a molecular switch to control protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions which dictate vesicle budding from the ER. SAR1A, while GDP-bound interacts with the membrane-bound exchange factor Sec12 and trades its bound GDP for GTP. SAR1A is also involved in the transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. SAR1A is required to maintain SEC16A localization at distinct locations on the ER membrane possibly by preventing its dissociation. SAR1A-GTP-dependent compilation of SEC16A on the ER membrane creates a structured scaffold defining endoplasmic reticulum exit sites.

HEXA is the alpha subunit of the lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase which, combined with the cofactor GM2 activator protein, catalyzes the degradation of the ganglioside GM2, and other molecules having N-acetyl hexosamines terminus. The two subunits composing Beta-hexosaminidase, alpha and beta, belong to the glycosyl hydrolases family and are encoded by distinct genes. Alpha subunit gene mutations can cause Tay-Sachs disease (GM2-gangliosidosis type I).

Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, is a part of the Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase gene family. DDAH1 participates in nitric oxide generation by regulating cellular concentrations of methylarginines, that in turn inhibit nitric oxide synthase activity. Deficiency of DDAH1 results in ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) increase and a decrease in cGMP generation.

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.

ICAM-1 also called CD54 is a single chain membrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of a variety of non-haematopoietic and haematopoietic cell types and has roles in signal transduction, cell signaling and lymphocyte adhesion. ICAM1 binds to integrins such as CD11a / CD18, or CD11b / CD18. ICAM1 is also used by Rhinovirus as a receptor. ICAM-1 is an intercellular adhesion molecule constantly present in low concentrations in the membranes of leukocytes and endothelial cells. When stimulated by cytokine the concentrations significantly increase. ICAM-1 can be stimulated by interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA) and is expressed by the vascular endothelium, macrophages and lymphocytes. ICAM-1 is a ligand for LFA-1 which is a receptor found on leukocytes. Upon activation, leukocytes bind to endothelial cells via ICAM-1/LFA-1 and then transmigrate into tissues.
ICAM-1 is implicated in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Levels of ICAM-1 are shown to be notably elevated in patients with SAH.
Soluble ICAM-1 is detectable in the plasma and is elevated in patients with various inflammatory conditions.