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Myozenin 1 (MYOZ1) is a member of the myozenin family. MYOZ1 is mostly expressed in the skeletal muscle. Members of the myozenin family act as calcineurin-interacting proteins which helps tether calcineurin to the sarcomere of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The myozenin family plays a significant role in modulation of calcineurin signaling.

Septin-3, also known as SEPT3 is a member of the septin family of GTPases. Members of this family are essential for cytokinesis. Furthermore, expression is up regulated by retinoic acid in a human teratocarcinoma cell line. The exact role of SEPT3 has not been determined yet. In addition, among its related pathways are Bacterial invasion of epithelial cells.

Sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a beta-globulin which specifically binds steroid hormones; it is involved in the transport of sex steroids in plasma. The main site of SHBG synthesis is assumed to be the hepatocytes. The production of SHBG is regulated by androgen/estrogen balance, thyroid hormones, insulin and dietary factors, among others. The concentration of SHBG is a key factor regulating their distribution between protein-bound and free states. SHBG concentration determination is primarily significant in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism and it allows detection of women with hirsutism who are likely to react to estrogen therapy. Testosterone/SHBG-ratios correlate well with both measured and calculated values for free testosterone thus aid to distinguish between subjects with excessive androgen activity and normal individuals. SHBG gene polymorphisms are linked with polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

NANOGP8 belongs to the homeobox family of DNA binding transcription factors which is known to conserve pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. One change only separate NANOGP8 from NANOG – instead of 'Gln-253' in the inferred amino acid sequence in NANOG there is a ‘His-253’ in NANOGP8.

Osteoprotegerin acts as decoy receptor for rankl and thereby neutralizes its function in osteoclastogenesis. OPG inhibits the activation of osteoclasts and promotes osteoclast apoptosis in vitro. Bone homeostasis seems to depend on the local rankl/opg ratio. Osteoprotegerin may also play a role in preventing arterial calcification. May act as decoy receptor for trail and protect against apoptosis. Trail binding blocks the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis.

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.

Agrin or AGRN is a large protein (proteoglycan) that has a crucial part in the development of neuromuscular junction amid embryogenesis. The protein has an involvement in the collection and aggregation of acetylcholine receptors through synaptogenesis. The agrin gene can be found and expressed in rat embryonic nervous system andmuscle tissue. This Agrin protein is aggregated in the synapses, there it can take part in regeneration & development. The protein binds to receptors on the surface of skeletal muscle.

SGTA is a ubiquitously expressed protein that contains three TPR protein-protein interaction duplicates. SGTA takes part as a component of the androgen receptor (AR)-chaperone-cochaperone complex, functions as a cochaperone and participates in androgen signaling. SGTA binds directly to HSC70 and HSP70 and mediates their ATPase activity. SGTA gene encodes a protein that is able to interact with the chief nonstructural protein of parvovirus H-1 and 70-kDa heat shock cognate. In addition, SGTA interacts with Vpu and Gag from HIV-1, SARS-CoV accessory protein 7a, DNAJC5 and DNAJC5B. Since this transcript is expressed universally in several tissues, SGTA serves a housekeeping function. While being involved in apoptosis and androgen signaling, SGTA is a possible molecule for polycystic ovary syndrome, a disorder characterized by androgen excess, obesity and menstrual disturbances.

SYT13 belongs to the great synaptotagmin protein family which contain 2 domains: cytoplasmic C terminus with two tandem C2 domains (C2A and C2B) and extracellular N-terminal transmembrane domain. Synaptotogmin family members have dissimilar biochemical properties and developmental profiles, and patterns of tissue distribution. Additionally, Synaptotogmins formulate homo- and heteromeric complexes with each other. Synaptotagmins operate as membrane traffickers in multicellular organisms.

ASF1A is part of the H3/H4 family of histone chaperone proteins corresponding to the anti-silencing function-1 gene in yeast. ASF1A is an important element of the histone donor complex that functions in nucleosome assembly. ASF1A interacts with histones H3 and H4, and functions together with a chromatin assembly factor during DNA replication and repair. Deletion of ASF1A in yeast and Drosophila confers sensitivity to various DNA damaging agents and inhibitors of DNA replication, increases genomic instability and sister chromatid exchange, and activates the DNA damage checkpoint.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is derived from the transcription product of the proglucagon gene. The major source of GLP-1 in the body is the intestinal L cell that secretes GLP-1 as a guthormone. The biologically active forms of GLP-1 are: GLP-1-(7-37) and GLP-1-(7-36)NH2.
GLP-1 secretion by L cells is dependent on the presence of nutrients in the lumen of the small intestine. The secretagogues (agents that causes or stimulates secretion) of this hormone include major nutrients like carbohydrate, proteinand lipid. Once in the circulation, GLP-1 has a half life of less than 2 minutes, due to rapid degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4.
GLP-1 possesses several physiological properties that make it a subject of intensive investigation as a potential treatment of diabetes mellitus. The known physiological functions of GLP-1 include: Increases insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner, decreases glucagon secretion from the pancreas, increases beta cells mass and insulin gene expression, inhibits acid secretion and gastric emptying in the stomach, decreases food intake by increasing satiety.

Zymogen Granule Protein 16 Homolog (ZG16) is a member of the jacalin lectin family. ZG16 may have a role in protein trafficking and may act as a linker molecule between the submembranous matrix on the luminal side of zymogen granule membrane (ZGM) and aggregated secretory proteins during granule formation in the TGN. ZG16 is highly expressed in the liver, but can also be detected at lower levels in colon, ileum and jejunum.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of membrane glycerophospholipids to liberate arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of eicosanoids including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The same reaction also produces lysophosholipids, which represent another class of lipid mediators.
The secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) family, in which 10 isozymes have been identified, consists of low molecular weight, Ca2+-requiring secretory enzymes that have been implicated in a number of biological processes, such as modification of eicosanoid generation, inflammation, and host defense.
This enzyme has been proposed to hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine (PC) in lipoproteins to liberate lyso- PC and free fatty acids in the arterial wall, thereby facilitating the accumulation of bioactive lipids and modified lipoproteins in atherosclerotic foci.
In mice, sPLA2 expression significantly influences HDL particle size and composition and demonstrate that an induction of sPLA2 is required for the decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol in response to inflammatory stimuli. Instillation of bacteria into the bronchi was associated with surfactant degradation and a decrease in large:small ratio of surfactant aggregates in rats.

Resistin, a product of the RSTN gene, is a peptide hormone belongs to the class of cysteine-rich secreted proteins (monomeric peptide contains 11 cysteine residues) referred to as the RELM family, and is also described as ADSF (Adipose Tissue-Specific Secretory Factor) or FIZZ3 (Found in Inflammatory Zone 3). Resistin may be an important link between obesity. 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 suppressed the ability to stimulate glucose uptake. They have also suggested that resistin was present at elevated levels in blood of obese mice, and was down regulated by fasting and by antidiabetic drugs. Way et al., on the other hand, have found that resistin expression is severely suppressed in obesity.
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.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) belongs to the SFRP family which contains a cysteine-rich domain homologous to the putative Wnt-binding site of Frizzled proteins. SFRPs serve as soluble modulators of Wnt signaling. SFRP4 may serve as a regulator of adult uterine morphology and function. SFRP4 increases apoptosis during ovulation possibly via modulation of FZ1/FZ4/WNT4 signaling. SFRP4 also has phosphaturic effects by specifically inhibiting sodium-dependent phosphate uptake. SFRP4 is expressed in proliferative endometrium and several types of ovarian, endometrial and Brest tumors. SFRP4 is expressed in mesenchymal cells and in cardiomyocytes. SFRP4 expression in ventricular myocardium correlates with apoptosis related gene expression. SFRP4 is up-regulated in failing myocardium.

Glucagon is an important hormone involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The hormone is synthesized and secreted from alpha cells (?-cells) of the islets of Langerhans, which are located in the endocrine portion of the pancreas. Glucagon is released when the glucose level in the blood is low (hypoglycemia), causing the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. The action of glucagon is thus opposite to that of insulin, which instructs the body's cells to take in glucose from the blood in times of satiation.
Glucagon is beneficial for the culture of some cell types. It has been used in some biochemical regulation studies of glycogenolysis in hepatocytes. It has been also been found to induce DNA replication in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes when used in combinations with EGF and Insulin. Glucagon increases the blood glucose concentration by promoting rapid breakdown of liver glycogen, and also acts to relax smooth muscle such as the gastrointestinal tract.

SERPINA1 is secreted and is a serine protease inhibitor which its targets include elastase, plasmin, collagenase, leucocytic proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and plasminogen activator. Defects in SERPINA1 gene can cause emphysema or liver disease. SERPINA1 is an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases and inhibits the catalytic domain of human recombinant matriptase in vitro. Rise in SERPINA1 occurs as an acute phase response to tissue necrosis and inflammation. mutations in SERPINA1 and SLC11A1 genes change the balance between elastase produced by leukocytes during phagocytosis.

Uteroglobin (SCGB1A1) which belongs to the Secretoglobin (SCGBs) superfamily, is a multifunctional protein that exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effects by binding small hydrophobic molecules such as phospholipids and prostaglandins. Uteroglobin is involved in numerous functions including anti-inflammation, inhibition of phospholipase A2 and the sequestering of hydrophobic ligands. SCGB1A1 is expressed by Clara cells, the non-ciliated, non-mucous secretory cells predominant in lung bronchioles, and by other epithelia which communicate with the external environment. On top of sequestering pro-inflammatory mediators and carcinogens, Uteroglobin is implicated in the inhibition of cell migration and invasion, platelet aggregation, and T cell differentiation. SCGB1A1 gene defects are associated with a susceptibility to asthma.

Basigin Isoform 2 or BSG is a part of the immunoglobulin superfamily, it is a type 1 transmembrane protein which has a variety of Nand O- glycosylation. BSG has several ligands, such as integrins, cyclophilin proteins Cyp-A & CyP-B. The protein has a crucial role in intercellular recognition, it takes part in many immunologic processes, differentiation and cell development. Also, it regulates numerus cell processes such as production and release of expression of the mono-carboxylate transporter, spermatogenesis, etc. Basigin Isoform 2 promotes invasion, metastasis, growth and survival of malignant cells by producing and releasing matrix metalloproteinases nearby mesenchymal cells and tumor cells.

SQSTM1 is an adapter protein which binds ubiquitin and mediates the activation of NFKB1 by TNF-a, NGF and IL-1. SQSTM1 is involved in titin/TTN downstream signaling in muscle cells. SQSTM1 controls signaling cascades through ubiquitination. SQSTM1 participates in cell differentiation, apoptosis, immune response and regulation of K(+) channels. Mutations in UBA domain of the SQSTM1 protein cause Paget’s disease because the UBA is essential for aggregate sequestration and cell survival.

Twisted gastrulation Protein (TSG) is a secreted, cysteine-rich protein which has a role in dorsal/ventral patterning in Drosophila and Xenopus by regulating BMP signaling. TSG functions as an agonist for BMP signaling by controlling the inhibitory actions of the BMP antagonist, Chordin/Sog, and the cleavage properties of the metalloprotease, xolloid/tolloid. TSG N-terminal domain binds BMP protein directly and displays BMP antagonist activity.

SPARC, an acronym for “secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine”, is also known as osteonectin or BM-40. It is the founding member of a family of secreted matricellular proteins with similar domain structure. The 303 amino acid, 43 kDa protein contains a 17 aa signal sequence, an N-terminal acidic region that binds calcium, a follistatin domain containing Kazal-like sequences, and a C-terminal extracellular calcium (EC) binding domain with two EF-hand motifs. SPARC is produced by fibroblasts, capillary endothelial cells, platelets and macrophages, especially in areas of tissue morphogenesis and remodeling. SPARC shows context-specific effects, but generally inhibits adhesion, spreading and proliferation, and promotes collagen matrix formation. For endothelial cells, SPARC disrupts focal adhesions and binds and sequesters PDGF and VEGF. SPARC is abundantly expressed in bone, where it promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits adipogenesis.

Neuregulin-4 (NRG4) is a part of the neuregulin family that owns 1 EGF-like domain and is a low affinity ligand for the ERBB4 tyrosine kinase receptor. NRG4 links ERBB1 and ERBB2 coreceptors, resulting in ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the ERBB receptors.

Alpha & Gamma-Adaptin Binding Protein (AAGAB), which is also known as P34, takes part in membrane traffic and interacts with AP1G1 and AP2A1.AAGAB is highly expressed in skin and keratinocytes, with the highest levels in adrenal gland, rectum and thymus.