Search results

Interleukin-1 alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by a wide variety of cell types, including macrophages, osteoblasts, monocytes and hepatocytes. Circulating levels of are normally low and only rise after stimulation by agents such as those produced byinflammation, infection or microbial endotoxins. IL-1 alpha possesses a wide variety of biological activities and exerts its effects by binding to specific cell surface receptors.

IL-32 is part of the cytokine family and contains a tyrosine sulfation site, 3 potential N-myristoylation sites, multiple putative phosphorylation sites, and an RGD cell-attachment sequence. IL-32 expression is elevated after the activation of T-cells by mitogens or the activation of NK cells by IL-2. IL-32 induces the production of TNF-a from macrophage cells. IL-32 pro-inflammatory pathway is activated in response to influenza A virus infection. Dysregulation of IL-32 in myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia modulates apoptosis and impairs NK function.
Induction of TNF, IL-1beta, and IL-6 by IL-32 is intervened by p38-MAPK. IL-32 induced monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation is mediated through nonapoptotic, caspase-3-dependent mechanisms. IL32 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. IL-32 is involved in activation-induced cell death in T cells, through its intracellular actions. IL-32 is a cell-associated proinflammatory cytokine, which is particularly stimulated by mycobacteria through a caspase-1- and IL-18-dependent production of interferon gamma.
IL-32 is associated with TNF-a, IL-1beta, and IL-18. IL32 is involved in human rheumatoid arthritis and is a novel target in autoimmune diseases.

The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that acts as a growth and differentiation factor for both B cells and eosinophils. This cytokine is a main regulator of eosinopoiesis, eosinophil maturation and activation. The elevated production of this cytokine is reported to be related to asthma or hypereosinophilic syndromes. The receptor of this cytokine is a heterodimer, whose beta subunit is shared with the receptors for interleukine 3 (IL3) and colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2/GM-CSF). This gene, together with those for interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 13 (IL13), and CSF2, form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5. This cytokine, IL4, and IL13 are found to be regulated coordinately by long-range regulatory elements spread over 120 kilobases on chromosome 5q31.

MBP is a major component of the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the nervous system, although, MBP-related transcripts are also present in the bone marrow and the immune system. These mRNAs emerge from the long MBP gene which holds three additional exons located upstream of the classic MBP exons. The Golli mRNAs contain three exons unique to Golli-MBP, spliced in-frame to one or more MBP exons. The second family of transcripts contains only MBP exons and produces the well characterized myelin basic proteins. MBP transcription unit is an essential part of the Golli transcription unit and the arrangement is important for the function and/or regulation of these genes.

Mannoside Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2 (MGAT2) is a golgi enzyme catalyzing an vital step in the conversion of oligomannose to complex N-glycans. MGAT2 enzyme has the characteristic glycosyltransferase domains: a short N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, a hydrophobic non-cleavable signal-anchor domain, and a C-terminal catalytic domain. MGAT2 gene mutations may lead to carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome, type II.

MIG (CXCL9) is a small cytokine which is part of the CXC chemokine family. MIG, which is also recognized as monokine is induced by gamma interferon. MIG is related to 2 other CXC chemokines named CXCL10 and CXCL11, whose genes are located next to the gene for CXCL9 on human chromosome 4. CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 obtain their chemotactic functions by interacting with the chemokine receptor CXCR3.

CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) is a type I membrane protein, which contains a non-ELR motif-containing CXC chemokine domain in its extracellular region. Human and Mouse CXCL16 share a 70% a.a. sequence similarity within their chemokine domains and 49% overall a.a. sequence identity. Functional CXCL16 can be dropped from the cell surface as an approximately 35kDa soluble protein. CXCR6 is the functional receptor for CXCL16. CXCL16 functions as a scavenger receptor on macrophages, which specifically binds to OxLDL (oxidized low density lipoprotein), proposing that CXCL16 may be involved in pathophysiology such as atherogenesis. In addition, CXCL16 induces a strong chemotactic response and calcium mobilization. CXCL16 binds to CXCR6/Bonzo.

Annexin A10 (ANXA10) is a member of the annexin family of calcium-binding proteins that contains a few members which are described by a conserved core domain that binds phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and a unique amino-terminal region, which may convene binding specificity. The ANXA10 protein contains 4 annexin domains and might be required in the regulation of cellular growth and signal transduction pathways throughout the cell.

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL7) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It is a protein that is released in large amounts from platelets following their activation. It stimulates various processes including mitogenesis, synthesis of extracellular matrix, glucose metabolism and synthesis of plasminogen activator.

Dsb proteins are in charge for the formation and rearrangement of disulfide bonds during the folding of secreted and membrane proteins in bacteria. DsbG has disulfide bond isomerase and chaperone activity. DsbG interacts with refolding intermediates of chemically denatured citrate synthase and prevents their aggregation in vitro. DsbG shares sequnce homology with DsbC. DsbG forms a stable periplasmic dimer and displays an equilibrium constant with glutathione comparable with DsbA and DsbC. DsbG is expressed at roughly 25% level of DsbC.

SKP is a 17kDa trimeric periplasmic chaperone that supports outer membrane proteins in their folding and insertion into membranes. SKP protein is necessary for the normal release of ompA from the inner membrane, the maintenance of its solubility in the periplasm, and, in association with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), for the efficient folding and insertion of ompA into the outer membrane.

Eotaxin-2, also called MPIF2 & Ckb6, is a novel CC chemokine produced by activated monocytes and T lymphocytes. Eotaxin-2 selectively chemoattracts cells expressing CCR3 including eosinophils, basophils, Th2 T cells, mast cells, and certain subsets of dendritic cells. Furthermore, Eotaxin-2 inhibits the proliferation of multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cells. The mature protein, which includes C-terminal truncation, contains 78 amino acids (92 amino acids for the mouse homolog, without C-terminal truncation).
CCL24 functions as a chemotactic chemokine for resting t-lymphocytes, and eosinophils. CCL24 has lower chemotactic activity for neutrophils but none for monocytes and activated lymphocytes. CCL24 is a strong suppressor of colony formation by a multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cell line and binds to CCR3.

OTOR proteins is also known as fibrocyte-derived protein (Fdp) and Melanoma inhibitory activity-like (MIAL). Otoraplin is a member of the melanoma-inhibiting activity gene family. Otoraplin is a secreted 16 kDa globular protein that is expressed in the inner ear by periotic mesenchyme and developing and mature fibrocytes. OTOR is highly homologous to MIA/cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP), which is a cartilage-specific protein that is also expressed in malignant melanoma cells. The 111 amino acid mature human otoraplin contains 1 SH3 domain (46 – 107 amino acids) and a Tyr at position 50 that is reportedly sulfated. Otoraplin takes pasrt in the initiation of periotic mesenchyme chondrogenesis.
Otoraplin is secreted through the Golgi apparatus and plays a role in cartilage development and maintenance. A frequent polymorphism in the translation start codon of OTOR can abolish translation and may be associated with forms of deafness.

TCL1A (T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1A) is a protein with a possible role in intracellular regulation of T cell signaling. TCL1A enhances cell proliferation, stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes cell survival. TCL1A is restricted in the T-cell lineage to immature thymocytes and activated peripheral lymphocytes. TCL1A is preferentially expressed early in T and B-lymphocyte differentiation. Chromosomal anomalies activating TCL1A are found in chronic T-cell leukemias (T-CLL).
TCL1A enhances the phosphorylation and activation of AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3. TCL1A promotes nuclear translocation of AKT1. TCL1A binds to the pleckstrin homology domain of Akt (protein kinase B) family proteins, which facilitates Akt dimerization and activity. By increasing Akt activity, TCL1A can enhance the serine/threonine phosphorylation of major Akt signaling substrates, for example Ikk complex, mTOR, BAD, p70S6 kinase, FOXO transcription factors and GSK3b. These substrates regulate cellular differentiation, growth, survival, and metabolism.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) is a member of the Cip/Kip family of cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor proteins. The CDKN1B protein binds to and prevents the activation of cyclin E-CDK2 or cyclin D-CDK4 complexes, and so controls the cell cycle progression at G1. CDKN1B is often referred to as a cell cycle inhibitor protein since its major function is to stop or slow down the cell division cycle. The degradation of the CDKN1B protein, which is triggered by its CDK dependent phosphorylation and ensuing ubiquitination by SCF complexes, is compulsory for the cellular transition from inactive to the proliferative state.

Guanine Nucleotide Binding Protein Gamma 12, also known as GNG12 belongs to the Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) which are involved as a modulator or transducer in a variety of transmembrane signaling systems. In addition, the beta as well as gamma chains are essential for the GTPase activity, for replacement of GDP by GTP, and also for G protein-effector interaction.

Vaspin (visceral adipose-specific SERPIN), a newly identified adipokine, which is a member of serine protease inhibitor family. Vaspin is also a unique insulin sensitizing adipocytokine in obesity. A recent publication indicates that induction of human vaspin mRNA expression in adipose tissue is regulated in a fat depot-specific manner and could be associated with parameters of obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism.

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.

Protein A is a cell wall component produced by several strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The recombinant Protein A is genetically engineered protein and holds 5 IgG-binding regions of protein A. Recombinant Protein A functions basically the same as native Protein A and is perfect for purification of polyclonal or monoclonal IgG antibodies. Protein A binds to human IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4, mouse IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 and rat IgG2c. Protein A also binds to total IgG from rabbit, pig, dog, cat, and guinea pig.

Ferritin is the main intracellular iron storage protein in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Ferritin’s major functions are the storage of iron in a soluble and nontoxic state and its release in a controlled fashion. An iron-containing protein complex is found mostly in the intestinal mucosa, spleen, and liver. Ferritin is composed of 24 subunits of the heavy and light chains. Variation in ferritin subunit composition may influence the rates of iron uptake and release in different tissues. Defects in the light chain ferritin gene are linked to a number of neurodegenerative diseases and hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome. The genes that encode the light and heavy chains are on located different chromosomes. The light chain genes are in chromosome region 19q13.3-q13.4 whilst those for the heavy chain are in chromosome region 11q12-q13. Ferritin is shaped like a hollow sphere, inside which the iron is stored in the Fe(III) oxidation state. The iron is integrated in the mineral ferrihydrite, [FeO(OH)]8[FeO(H2PO4)], which is attached to the inner wall of the sphere. To release iron once the body needs it, the iron must be altered from the Fe(III) to the Fe(II) oxidation state. Subsequently, the iron leaves through channels in the spherical structure. Therefore, the structure of ferritin is tremendously important for the protein's ability to store and release iron in a controlled mode.
The amount of ferritin in the blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in the body. The body has a "buffer" against iron deficiency (if the blood has too little iron, ferritin can release more) and, to a lesser extent, iron overload (if the blood and tissues of the body have too much iron, ferritin can help store the excess iron).

The cytokine Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been identified to be secreted by the pituitary gland and the monocyte/macrophage and to play an important role in endotoxic shock. MIF has the unique property of being released from macrophages and T cells in response to physiological concentrations of glucocorticoids. The secretion of MIF is tightly regulated and decreases at high, anti-inflammatory steroid concentration.

Platelet factor-4 is a 70-amino acid protein that is released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets . Its major physiologic role appears to be neutralization of molecules on the endothelial surface of blood vessels, thereby inhibiting local antithrombin III activity and promoting coagulation. As a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and fibroblasts, PF4 probably has a role in inflammation and wound repair. Oncostatin-A is a member of the CXC chemocinfamily. Human PF4 is used for the proof of induced thrombocytopenia. Furthermore it is used as an inhibitor in the angiogenesis during tumor therapy.

Darbepoetin is a mutant recombinant human EPO-Alpha protein re-engineered, containing 5 amino acid changes at N30, T32, V87, N88, T90. Darbepoetin exhibits longer half-life stimulating red blood cell production than Erythropoietin. Darbepoetin maintains hemoglobin more effectively compared to EPO-Alpha.

Discoidin Domain Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1 (DDR1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is a part of the discoidin-like domain containing subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. DDR1 functions as cell surface receptor for fibrillar collagen and regulates cell attachment to the extracellular matrix, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell migration, differentiation, survival and cell proliferation. DDR1 is expressed in epithelial cells, mainly in the kidney, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and brain and is significantly overexpressed in several human tumors.