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The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands which are a group of ligands within the TGF-beta superfamily of signaling molecules. GDNFs are unique in having neurotrophic properties and have potential use for gene therapy in neurodegenrative disease. Artemin has been shown in culture to support the survival of a number of periferal neuron populations and at least one population of dopaminergic CNS neurons. Its role in the PNS and CNS is further substantiated by its expression pattern in the proximity of these neurons. This protein is a ligand for the RET receptor and uses GFR-alpha 3 as a coreceptor. Four alternatively spliced transcripts have been described, two of which encode the same protein.

Alpha and Beta Defensins are cationic peptides with antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses. These 2-6kDa proteins have vital roles in innate immune system. Mammalian Defensins are classified into alpha, beta and theta categories, based on their size and pattern of disulfide bonding. Beta-Defensins contain a six-cysteine motif which forms 3 intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Since beta-defensins are cationic peptides, they can therefore interact with the membrane of invading microbes, which are negative due to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) found in the cell membrane. In addition, they can affect the stability of the membrane.

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.

AMTN is a member of the amelotin family. AMTN is a lately discovered secreted enamel protein. AMTN mainly expressed during the maturation stage of enamel formation. AMTN gathers in a basal lamina-like structure at the interface between ameloblasts and enamel mineral and it co-localizes with one more lately described enamel protein, odontogenic ameloblast- related protein (ODAM(.

Glycoprotein hormones are heterodimers consisting of a common alpha subunit and a unique beta subunit which confers biological specificity. CGB is a member of the glycoprotein hormone beta chain family and is the beta 3 subunit of (CG). CG is produced by the trophoblastic cells of the placenta and stimulates the ovaries. The beta subunit of CG is encoded by 6 genes which are arranged in tandem and inverted pairs on chromosome 19q13.3 and contiguous with the luteinizing hormone beta subunit gene.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemokine produced by macrophages and other cell types such as epithelial cells. It is also synthesized by endothelial cells, which store IL-8 in their storage vesicles, the Weibel-Palade bodies. When first encountering an antigen, the primary cells to encounter it are the macrophages who phagocytose the particle. Upon processing, they release chemokines to signal other immune cells to come in to the site of inflammation. IL-8 is one such chemokine. It serves as a chemical signal that attracts neutrophils at the site of inflammation, and therefore is also known as Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor.

Cystatins are a superfamily of cysteine proteinase inhibitors found in both plants and animals. They comprise a group of proteinase inhibitors, widely distributed in tissues and body fluids, and form tight complexes with cysteine proteases such as cathepsin B, H, L and S. Cystatin C, a secreted molecule of this family, is of interest from biochemical, medicine and evolutionary points of view. Cystatin C, with molecular weight of 13260 Da, is composed of 120 amino acids, lacks carbohydrate and has two disulfide bridges located near the carboxyl terminus. Cystatin C is increased in patients with malignant diseases, and is related to the insufficiency of renal function and appears to be a better marker than creatinine. On the other hand, low levels of cystatin C involve cause the breakdown of the elastic laminae and, subsequently, the atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Cystatin 7 (CST7) is a glycosylated cysteine protease inhibitor with a putative role in immune regulation through inhibition of a unique target in the hematopoietic system. Cystatin-7 is comprised of multiple cystatin-like sequences. The superfamily is comprised of 3 inhibitory families: the type 1 cystatins (stefins), type 2 cystatins and the kininogens. Some members are active cysteine protease inhibitors, while others have lost or possibly never had this inhibitory activity. Type 2 cystatin proteins are a class of cysteine proteinase inhibitors found in various human fluids and secretions. CST7 protein expression has been observed in numerous human cancer cell lines established from malignant tumors.

Adiponectin, also referred to as Acrp30, AdipoQ and GBP-28, is a recently discovered 244 amino acid protein, the product of the apM1 gene, which is physiologically active and specifically and highly expressed in adipose cells (Adipokine). The protein belongs to the soluble defense collagen super family; it has a collagen-like domain structurally homologous with collagen VIII and X and complement factor C1q-like globular domain. APM-1 forms homotrimers, which are the building blocks for higher order complexes found circulating in serum.

Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins (MIP) belong to the family of chemotactic cytokines known as chemokines. In humans, there are two major forms, MIP-1a and MIP-1b that are now officially named CCL3 and CCL4 respectively. Both are major factors produced by macrophages after they are stimulated with bacterial endotoxins. They activate human granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) which can lead to acute neutrophilic inflammation. They also induce the synthesis and release of other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6 and TNF-a from fibroblasts and macrophages. The genes for CCL3 and CCL4 are both located on human chromosome 17.

HEPACAM2 is necessary during prometaphase for centrosome maturation. Following poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARsylation) by TNKS, HEPACAM2 translocates from the Golgi apparatus to mitotic centrosomes and takes a significant part in the formation of robust microtubules for quick movement of chromosomes.

Cullin1, is an essential component of multiple cullin-RING-based SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complexes, that facilitate the ubiquitination of proteins which take part in cell cycle progression, signal transduction and transcription. In the SCF complex. Cullin1 assists in a rigid scaffold which organizes the SKP1-F-box protein and RBX1 subunits. Cullin1 contributes to catalysis by positioning of the substrate and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme.

Mps one binder kinase activator-like 3 (MOBKL3) is a member of the MOB1/Phocein family and is phosphorylated on serine residues. MOBKL3 is usually linked with membranes but can be present in the cytosol, where it behaves as a protein complex. MOBKL3 is the major partner of the striatin family members, which are scaffolding proteins involved in signaling and trafficking.

Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 2 (HINT2) belongs to the triad proteins, which are nucleotide hydrolases and transferases that act on the alpha-phosphate of ribonucleotides. Hydrolase is most likely involved in steroid biosynthesis, furthermore it might play a role in apoptosis. HINT2 shows high expression in liver and pancreas. Expression is significantly down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Myostatin (GDF-8), a member of the TGFbeta superfamily, is a potent and specific negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. In serum, myostatin circulates as part of a latent complex containing myostatin propeptide and/or follistatin-related gene. The myostatin propeptide is known to bind and inhibit myostatin in vitro. This interaction is relevant in vivo, with a majority (>70%) of myostatin in serum bound to its propeptide. The myostatin propeptide is negative regulator of myostatin in vivo.

Developmentally-regulated GTP-binding protein 1 (DRG1) is a member of the GTP1/OBG family. DRG1 has a role in cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as in apoptosis, proposing a role in tumor formation and metastasis. Expression of the DRG1 was considerably reduced in breast tumor cells, particularly in patients with lymph node or bone metastasis as compared to those with localized breast cancer. The DRG1 protein is expressed at high levels in the heart, kidney and skeletal muscle and at lower levels in the brain, liver, placenta, lung, colon and spleen.

Solute Carrier Family 51 Beta (SLC51B), is a protein coding gene. SLC51B is an organic solute transporter subunit. SLC51 is composed of twodifferent proteins that must heterodimerize to generate transport activity, however the role of the individual subunits inmediating transport activity is unknown. The results show that SLC51B is required for both proper traffickingof SLC51A and formation of the functional transport unit, and identify specific residues of SLC51B essential for theseprocesses. Among the diseases associated with SLC51B are extrahepatic cholestasis, and biliary atresia.

BID is a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein having only the BH3 domain. In reaction to apoptotic signaling, BID interacts with another Bcl-2 family of cell death regulators, called Bax, they form a heterodimer resulting to the insertion of Bax into the outer mitochondrial membrane. Bax induces the opening of the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel which lead to the release of cytochrome c and other pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondria resulting in activation of caspases. BID is a mediator of mitochondrial damage induced by caspase-8 (CASP8). CASP8 cleaves BID, and the COOH-terminal part translocates to mitochondria where it triggers cytochrome c release. The major proteolytic product p15 BID releasea cytochrome c. Isoform 1, Isoform 2 and Isoform 4 induce ice-like proteases and apoptosis while Isoform 3 does not induce apoptosis.

ErbB3, also called Her3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3), is a type I membrane glycoprotein that is a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase receptors. ErbB family members serve as receptors for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. Among ErbB family members, ErbB3 is unique in that it contains a defective kinase domain. ErbB3 is expressed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, skeletal muscle cells, embryonic myoblasts and Schwann cells. Monomeric ErbB3 serves as a low affinity receptor for the heregulins (HRG). ErbB3 can induce specific antibody production in vivo, hence to inhibit tumor cell growth. ErbB-3 can be used to treat early, medium and advanced or post-operative breast cancer with over-expression of ErbB2. According to its mechanism of action, ErbB3 is classified as a therapeutic for cancer.

Interleukin-18 Binding Protein (IL18BP) serves as an inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL18. IL18BP binds IL18, inhibits the binding of IL18 to its receptor, and consequently inhibits IL18-induced IFN-gamma production, resulting in reduced T-helper type 1 immune responses. The IL18BP protein is constitutively expressed and secreted in mononuclear cells. Elevated levels of IL18BP protein are detected in the intestinal tissues of patients with Crohn's disease.

Fc Fragment Of IgG Receptor And Transporter also known as FCGRT is a transmembrane glycoprotein with structural homology to MHC class 1 proteins. FCGRT is widely expressed in endothelial and epithelial cells and takes a vital part in IgG homeostasis. Moreover, FCGRT is expressed in neutrophils in addition myeloid antigen presenting cells. FCGRT can enhance IgG-meditated phagocytosis as well as antigen presentation by heses cells, however it promotes the degradation of opsonizing IgG rather than returning it to the circulation.

Fractalkine soluble form is chemotactic for t-cells and monocytes, but not for neutrophils. Fractalkine membrane-bound form promotes adhesion of those leukocytes to endothelial cells. Fractalkine regulates leukocyte adhesion and migration processes at the endothelium and binds to CX3CR1. Natural Human Fractalkine is produced as a long protein (373-amino acid) with an extended mucin-like stalk and a chemokine domain on top. The mucin-like stalk permits it to bind to the cell surface. Fractalkine gene is located on human chromosome 16 along with some CC chemokines known as CCL17 and CCL22.

Jumping Translocation Breakpoint (JTB) takes part in the regulation of cell proliferation and is essential for cytokinesis during mitosis. JTB inhibits apoptosis induced by TGFB1 and increases AURKB activity. JTB is also a part of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) which is a key regulator of mitosis.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (CEACAM1) belongs to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family which is a part of the immunoglobulin superfamily. CEACAM1 is a cell adhesion protein which mediates homophilic cell adhesion in a calcium-independent way. CEACAM1 is a surface glycoprotein expressed on various blood cells, epithelial cells, and vascular cells. CEACAM1 functions as coinhibitory receptor in immune response, and plays a role also as an activator during angiogenesis.