Search results

Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 5 (Irisin) is a newly discovered hormone, secreted into circulation by muscle, which acts on white adipocytes and promotes WAT “browning”. r-Irisin can reduce body weight and cause induction of brown adipocyte in vivo, including a capacity for thermogenic energy expenditure mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1). Irisin mature protein is comprised of 110 amino acid residues and two potential glycosylation sites. High levels of Irisin can be found in the heart whereas Very low expression is found in the colon, pancreas and spleen, if any.

CD200 is a type-1 membrane glycoprotein which is a part of the immunoglobulin superfamily due to its 2 immunoglobulin domains. CD200 regulates myeloid cell activity and delivers an inhibitory signal for the macrophage lineage in various tissues. CD200 is also Costimulates T-cell proliferation.

CD226 belongs to the Ig-superfamily containing 2 Ig-like domains of the V-set. CD226 is a 65kDa glycoprotein expressed on the surface NK cells, platelets, monocytes and a subset of T cells. CD226 facilitates cellular adhesion of platelets and megakaryocytic cells to vascular endothelial cells. CD226 also plays a role in megakaryocytic cell maturation.

CD68 encodes a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. It is a member of the lysosomal/endosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP) family. The protein primarily localizes to lysosomes and endosomes with a smaller fraction circulating to the cell surface. It is a type I integral membrane protein with a heavily glycosylated extracellular domain and binds to tissue- and organ-specific lectins or selectins. The protein is also a member of the scavenger receptor family. Scavenger receptors typically function to clear cellular debris, promote phagocytosis, and mediate the recruitment and activation of macrophages. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcripts encoding different isoforms.

L-Selectin belongs to a family of divalent cation-dependent carbohydrate-binding glycoproteins or adhesion molecules. The L-Selectin molecule is composed of various domains: one homologous to lectins, one to epidermal growth factor, and two to the consensus repeat units found in C3/C4 binding proteins.
L-selectin is expressed constitutively on lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes and interacts specifically with carbohydrate groups on activated endothelial cells. L-Selectin may be shed by proteolytic cleavage and circulating levels in biological fluids may be used as an indicator of various pathological conditions. L-Selectin is cleaved by ADAM17.
L-selectin works as a "homing receptor" for leukocytes to enter secondary lymphoid tissues via the high endothelial venules. Ligands present on endothelial cells will attach to leukocytes expressing L-selectin, which causes the leukocytes to become localized at that juncture. The receptor is also located on the cell surfaces of "naive" T cells, which have not yet encountered their particular antigen. This surface expression is lost following the cells activation.

TREM2 is a membrane protein that forms a receptor signaling complex with TYROBP. TREM2 may be involved in chronic inflammation by triggering the production of constitutive inflammatory cytokines. Defects in the TREM2 gene are a source of polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL).

Cadherin 11 (CDH11) belongs to the cadherin superfamily (integral membrane proteins) which mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. CDH11 is defined based on lacking a HAV cell adhesion recognition sequence specific to type I cadherins. CDH11 protein’s expression in osteoblastic cell lines, and its upregulation during differentiation, suggests a specific function in bone development and maintenance. CDH11 contributes to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types.

Troponin is a fundamental regulatory protein of striated muscle contraction, and together with tropomyosin, is positioned on the actin filament. Troponin has 3 subunits: TnI- the inhibitor of actomyosin ATPase; TnT- contains the binding site for tropomyosin; and TnC- the protein encoded by the TNNC1 gene. The binding of calcium to TnC stops the inhibitory action of TnI, consequently allowing the interaction of actin with myosin, the hydrolysis of ATP, and the generation of tension. Mutations in the TNNC1 gene are linked to cardiomyopathy dilated type 1Z.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a part of the human carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) family. CEACAM6 belongs to the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked immunoglobulin superfamily which is involved in various human cancers. CEACAM6 is linked to the progression of pancreatic cancer.

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.

CHGB is a neuroendocrine secretory granule protein, that is the precursor for other biologically active peptides. CHGB is part of the chromogranin/secretogranin protein family and is expressed in the adrenal medulla, and in pheochromocytoma.

CLDN4 encodes an integral membrane protein that is a member of the claudin family. CLDN4 is a factor of tight junction strands and takes part in internal organ development and function in pre- and postnatal life.
CLDN4 is removed in Williams-Beuren syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting multiple systems.

C-type lectin domain family 5-member A isoform 1 (CLEC5A) is part of the CTL/CTLD superfamily which carry various functions, for instance cell-cell signaling, cell adhesion, glycoprotein turnover, in addition to their inflammation & immune response abilities. CLEC5A operates as a cell attachment receptor for all 4 serotypes of Dengue virus in addition to Japanese encephalitis virus. CLEC5A binds to the dengue virus and it triggers signaling through the phosphylation of TYROBP, as a result no viral entrance occurs, however this interaction does stimulate proinflammatory cytokine release. CLEC5A preforms as a positive regulator of osteoclastogenesis and also a main regulator of synovial injury & bone erosion for the period of autoimmune joint inflammation.

USP15 belongs to the ubiquitin specific protease (USP) family of deubiquitinating enzymes which has a vital role in ubiquitin-dependent processes through polyubiquitin chain disassembly and hydrolysis of ubiquitin-substrate bonds. USP15 connects with the COP9 signalosome, and takes part in transforming growth factor beta signalling through deubiquitination of receptor-activated SMAD transcription factors. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms of this gene are known, and a pseudo gene of USP15 is sited on the long arm of chromosome 2.

Glycophorins A & B (GYPA &GYPB) are the main sialoglycoproteins of the human erythrocyte membrane which carry the antigenic determinants for the MN and Ss blood groups. Along with the M or N and S or s antigens which normally occur in all populations, approximately 40 related variant phenotypes were identified. These variants comprise all the variants of the Miltenberger complex and some isoforms of Sta, as well as Dantu, Sat, He, Mg, and deletion variants Ena, S-s-U- and Mk. GYPA is significant for the function of SLC4A1 and is necessary for high activity of SLC4A1. GYPA is involved in translocation of SLC4A1 to the plasma membrane. GYPA is also a receptor for: the influenza virus, Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen 175 (EBA-175); binding of EBA-175 is dependent on sialic acid residues of the O-linked glycans and is also a receptor for Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

MCL1 is a member of the Bcl-2 family. MCL1 takes part in the control of apoptosis against cell existence, and in the preservation of viability but not of proliferation. Alternative splicing happens at this locus and two transcript variants encoding different isoforms are known. Isoform 1 is the longer gene product and it increases cell existence by inhibiting apoptosis. Isoform 2 is a shorter gene product which indorses apoptosis and is death-inducing.

Haptoglobin or HP is encoded by the HP gene in humans. Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin (which is released from erythrocytes) in the blood plasma, therefore inhibits the Hb oxidative activity. The complex that contains Haptoglobin and hemoglobin will then be eliminated mostly through the spleen.

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.

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) is a small cytokine belongs to the CC chemokine family which is also known as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). MCP 1 is found at the site of tooth eruption and bone degradation. In the bone, CCL2 is expressed by mature osteoclasts. CCL2 recruits immune cells, such as monocytes, to sites of tissue injury and infection. MCP 1is produced as a protein precursor containing signal peptide of 23 amino acids and a mature peptide of 76 amino acids. As with many other CC chemokines, CCL2 is located on chromosome 17 in humans. The cell surface receptors that bind CCL2 are CCR2 and CCR5.

Mediator Complex Subunit 27 (MED27) is a subunit of the CRSP (cofactor required for SP1 activation) complex, which, together with TFIID, is necessary for efficient activation by SP1. MED27 is a component of the Mediator complex, a coactivator involved in the regulated transcription of virtually all RNA polymerase II-dependent genes. MED27 protein is also a component of other multisubunit complexes such as the thyroid hormone receptor-(TR-) associated proteins which interact with TR and facilitate TR function on DNA templates in conjunction with initiation factors and cofactors. The activation of MED27 gene transcription is a multistep process, which is triggered by factors that identify transcriptional enhancer sites in DNA.

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.
Resistin may be an important link between obesity resistance. Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity. 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.

GDNF Family Receptor Alpha 3 (GFRA3) belongs to the GDNF receptor family. GFRA3 creates a signaling receptor complex with RET tyrosine kinase receptor and binds the ligand, artemin (ARTN).

GDF15 is part of the TGF-Beta superfamily which is involved in regulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in injured tissues and throughout disease processes. GDF15 is most abundant in the liver. Its expression in liver can be considerably up-regulated in during injury of organs such as liver, kidney, heart and lung. GDF-15 promotes proliferation or growth arrest and differentiation due to differences in cellular differentiation. GDF15 prevents apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons by activating Akt and inhibiting endogenously active ERK. GDF15 is a novel autocrine/endocrine factor that antagonizes the hypertrophic response and loss of ventricular performance.