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Stem cell factor / KIT ligand (SCF) is a cytokine which binds CD117 (c-Kit). SCF is also known as "steel factor" or "c-kit ligand". SCF exists in two forms, cell surface bound SCF and soluble (or free) SCF. Soluble SCF is produced by the cleavage of surface bound SCF by metalloproteases.
SCF is a growth factor important for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and other hematopoietic progenitor cells. One of its roles is to change the BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid) cells, which are the earliest erythrocyte precursors in the erythrocytic series, into the CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid).

The Melanoma Inhibitory protein (MIA) was identified as an inhibitor of in vitro growth of malignant melanoma cells. The protein contains a SH3 domain.
MIA acts as a potent tumor cell growth inhibitor for malignant melanoma cells and some other neuroectodermal tumors, including gliomas, in an autocrine fashion. In a study of human melanoma cell lines with different metastatic capacity MIA mRNA expression appeared to be inversely correlated with pigmentation. MIA has been shown to represent a very sensitive and specific serum marker for systemic malignant melanoma that might be useful for staging of primary melanomas, detection of progression from localized to metastatic disease during follow-up, and monitoring therapy of advanced melanomas.

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone involved in the stimulation of milk production, salt and water regulation, growth, development and reproduction. The initial step in its action is the binding to a specific membrane receptor (prolactin receptor) which belongs to the superfamily of class 1 cytokine receptors. The function of the prolactin receptor is mediated, at least in part, by two families of signaling molecules: Janus kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone involved in a variety of important functions including ion transport and osmoregulation, stimulation of milk, protein synthesis as well as the regulation of numerous reproductive functions. PRL exerts its influence on different cell types through a signal transduction pathway which begins with the binding of the hormone to a transmembrane PRL receptor. Immunoreactive PRL receptor, a member of the cytokine receptor family, varies in size (short and long forms) with tissue source and species, from ~40 kDa to 100 kDa. The PRL receptor consists of at least three separate domains: an extracellular region with 5 cysteines which contains the prolactin binding site, a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic region, the length of which appears to influence ligand binding and regulate cellular function.

PEDF is a noninhibitory serpin with neurotrophic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-tumorigenic properties. PEDF is a 50,000 dalton glycoprotein created and secreted in many tissues all the way through the body. A key component of the anti-angiogenic action of PEDF is the induction of apoptosis in proliferating endothelial cells. Additionally, PEDF is capable to inhibit the activity of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and FGF-2. The neuro-protective effects of PEDF are achieved through suppression of neuronal apoptosis induced by peroxide, glutamate, or other neurotoxins. The recognition of a lipase-linked cell membrane receptor for PEDF (PEDF-R) that binds to PEDF with high affinity should facilitate further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of this pluripotent serpin. To date, PEDF-R is the only signaling receptor known to be used by a serpin family member. The unique range of PEDF activities associate it as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of vasculature related neurodegenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). PEDF in addition has the potential to be functional in the treatment of various angiogenesis-related diseases including a number of cancers.

Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1) is a membrane receptor for both human hepatitis A virus (HHAV) and TIMD4. HAVCR1 is a type I trans-membrane structural glycoprotein located in the renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. HAVCR1 protein may be involved in the control of asthma and allergic diseases. The reference genome represents an allele which retains a MTTVP amino acid segment that presents defense against atopy in HHAV seropositive individuals.

Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 (HAVCR2) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. HACVR2 controls macrophage activation. HACVR2 inhibits T-helper type 1 lymphocyte (Th1)-mediated auto- and alloimmune responses and stimulates immunological tolerance.

PDE6H belongs to the rod/cone cGMP-PDE gamma subunit family, which selectively catalyze the hydrolysis of 3 cyclic phosphate bonds in adenosine and/or guanine 3,5 cyclic monophosphate (cAMP and/or cGMP). This family regulates the cellular levels, localization and duration of action of these second messengers by controlling the rate of their degradation. PDE6H is the inhibitory (or gamma) subunit of the cone-specific cGMP phosphodiesterase, which is atetramer composed of two catalytic chains (alpha and beta), and two inhibitory chains (gamma). PDE6H is particularly expressed in the retina, and is implicated in the transmission and amplification of the visual signal. Mutations in PDE6H have been associated with retinal cone dystrophy type 3A.

IL15RA, also known as Interleukin 15 Receptor Alpha, is a high-affinity receptor for interleukin-15. IL15RA plays a role as a heterotrimer with the IL-2 receptor beta and gamma subunits to commence signal transduction. IL15/IL15R alpha complexes can transmit reverse signaling which promotes cellular adhesion, tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins, as well as cytokine secretion by the IL‑15/IL15R alpha expressing cells.

PEDF is a neurotrophic protein that induces extensive neuronal differentiation in retinoblastoma cells. SerpinF1 is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. EPC1 doesn’t undergo the stressed to relaxed conformation transition characteristic as of the active serpins since it exhibits no serine protease inhibitory activity.
Aqueous humour level of asymmetric dimethylarginine is correlated with PEDF in humans. ADMA and PEDF levels are increased in response to inflammation in uveitis.
Lack of PEDF expression is a potent factor for the enhancement of tumor growth and angiogenesis in breast cancer.
PEDF & VEGF genes contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.
PEDF and VEGF structural changes in blood vessel wall play an important role in the pathophysiology of PD patients.
PEDF-overexpressing tumors exhibited reduced intratumoral angiogenesis.
SerpinF1 is a new promising approach for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Levels of the natural ocular anti-angiogenic factor SentrinF1 (PEDF) is associated with proliferative retinopathy.
VEGF secreted by retinal pigment epithelial cells upregulates PEDF expression via VEGFR-1 in an autocrine manner.
Sentrin-F1 concentration in the aqueous humor of diabetic patients predicts who will develop progression of retinopathy.
PEDF blocks angiogenic effects of leptin through its anti-oxidative properties.

TLR2 belongs to the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family that plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. TLRs are highly conserved from Drosophila to humans and share structural and functional similarities. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) which are expressed on infectious agents, and mediate the production of cytokines necessary for the development of effective immunity. The various TLRs exhibit different patterns of expression. TLR2 is expressed most abundantly in peripheral blood leukocytes, and mediates host response to Gram-positive bacteria and yeast via stimulation of NF-kappaB.

TNFRSF13B (TACI) is a transmembrane receptor protein found predominantly on the surface of B cells (a significant part of the immune system). TACI was at first discovered owing to its ability to interact with calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML). Later on, it was found that TACI plays a key role in humoral immunity by interacting with two members of the TNF family. Also, TACI controls T cell-independent B cell antibody responses, isotype switching, and B cell homeostasis.

LYVE-1 has been identified as a major receptor for HA (extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan) on the lymph vessel wall. The deduced amino acid sequence of LYVE-1 predicts a 322-residue type I integral membrane polypeptide 41% similar to the CD44 HA receptor with a 212-residue extracellular domain containing a single Link module the prototypic HA binding domain of the Link protein superfamily. Like CD44, the LYVE-1 molecule binds both soluble and immobilized HA. However, unlike CD44, the LYVE-1 molecule colocalizes with HA on the luminal face of the lymph vessel wall and is completely absent from blood vessels. Hence, LYVE-1 is the first lymph-specific HA receptor to be characterized and is a uniquely powerful marker for lymph vessels themselves.

IL2-Ra is one of the three constituent subunits of the IL2 receptor.
IL-2Ra is released into the serum after increased cellular expression such as increased activation of B and T cells. Clinical manifestations of IL2-Ra elevation include autoimmune conditions and some leukemias and lymphomas.

RLBP1 is a 36-kD water-soluble protein that transports 11-cis-retinal or 11-cis-retinaldehyde as physiologic ligands. RLBP1 is a functional element of the visual cycle. RLBP1 gene mutations cause retinitis punctata albescens, severe rod-cone dystrophy and Bothnia dystrophy (nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa).

Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which functions as a co-receptor for several extracellular ligands including class III/IV semaphorins, some isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta. Nrp1 binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and is believed to serve as a coreceptor for kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) by connecting with KDR and enhancing VEGF signaling. Nrp1 is a marker of regulatory T cells.

TNFR1 belongs to the TNF-receptor superfamily. TNFR1 is a receptor for TNFSF2/TNF-alpha and homotrimeric TNFSF1/lymphotoxin-alpha.
There are 2 types of soluble TNF receptors: sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II, which act to neutralize the biological activities of TNF alpha and TNF beta. The levels of these soluble receptors seem to increase as a result of shedding of the extracellular domains of the membrane bound receptors. TNF-a, TNFR1 and TNFR2 have roles in cellular differentiation. TNFR1 and TNFR2 function in cell type-specific renal injury.
TNFR1 is capable of signaling both cell survival and apoptosis. TNFR1-induced apoptosis requires 2 sequential signaling complexes. TNFR1 is capable of activating NF-kappaB, mediate apoptosis, and function as a regulator of inflammation. Oxidative stress promotes TNFR1 and TNFR2 self-interaction, ligand-independent and enhanced ligand-dependent TNF signaling. TNFR1 contributes to the induction of non-cytocidal TNF effects including anti-viral state and activation of the acid sphingomyelinase. Human TNFR1 has a major region which controls cell surface expression. High levels of soluble TNF receptors are found in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women.
Germline mutations of the extracellular domains of TNFR1 are linked to the autosomal dominant periodic fever syndrome. The impaired receptor clearance is believed to be a mechanism of the disease. Familial hibernian fever (FHF) is caused by defects in TNFRSF1A gene.

RANKL binds to tnfrsf11b/opg and to tnfrsf11a/rank. Osteoclast differentiation and activation factor. augments the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate naive t-cell proliferation. May be an important regulator of interactions between t-cells and dendritic cells and may play a role in the regulation of the t-cell-dependent immune response. sRANKL may also play an important role in enhanced bone-resorption in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Human PDE6D was initially identified as a fourth subunit of rod-specific cGMP phosphodiesterase, PDE6. PDE6D is an Oligomer composed of two catalytic chains (alpha and beta), an inhibitory chain (gamma) and the delta chain. PDE6D interacts with RPGR, ARL2 and ARL3. The catalytically active PDE6 is a heterodimer (αβ) that is controlled by two inhibitory γ subunits. Since PDE6D does not change the catalytic properties of PDEαβ, its function is still unanswered. PDE6D is expressed specifically in the retina.

LYVE1 is a selective marker of the lymphatic endothelium & a surface endocytic receptor for both soluble and immobilized hyaluronan, LYVE1 is an extracellular glycosaminoglycan that plays a role in cell adhesion and migration. LYVE1 functions in lympathic hyaluronan transport and is involved in tumor metastasis. Recombinant human LYVE1 was expressed in and purified by conventional chromatography techniques. The normal adult human choroid is endowed with a significant number of LYVE-1 positive macrophages. LYVE-1 is expressed in a reticulum cell neoplasm in an axillary lymph node. This reticulum cell sarcoma is a lymphatic sinus lining cell sarcoma which might represent another subtype of reticulum cell sarcomas.
LYVE-1 immunohistochemistry is a functional method for detecting lymphatics invaded by cancer cells, and detailed examination of the submucosa around the tumor is important for predicting LN metastasis.

GLRX1 has a glutathione-disulfide oxidoreductase activity in the presence of nadph and glutathione reductase. reduces low molecular weight disulfides and proteins. Glutaredoxin is a glutathione (GSH)-dependent hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide reductase and also catalyzes glutathione-disulfide oxidoreduction reactions in the presence of NADPH and glutathione reductase. GLRX1 is multifunctional enzyme with glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. The disulfide bond functions as an electron carrier in the glutathione-dependent synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides by the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase. In addition, it is also involved in reducing cytosolic protein- and non-protein-disulfides in a coupled system with glutathione reductase. Required for resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by directly reducing hydroperoxides and for the detoxification of ROS-mediated damage.

Herpesvirus entry mediator or HVEM or tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 or TNFRSF14, is part of the TNF receptors family that is a receptor located on the cell surface. The cytoplasmic area of this receptor can bind all sorts of TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) protein. Those proteins can mediate pathways activating an immune response. The MITF is regulating TNFRSF14 gene expression.