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Clusterin also named Apolipoprotein J (APO-J) is a 75-80 kD disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein containing about 30% of N-linked carbohydrate rich in sialic acid but truncated forms targeted to the nucleus have also been identified.
The precursor polypeptide chain is cleaved proteolytically to remove the 22-mer secretory signal peptide and subsequently between residues 227/228 to generate the a and b chains. These are assembled in anti-parallel to give a heterodimeric molecule in which the cysteine-rich centers are linked by five disulfide bridges and are flanked by two predicted coiled-coil a-helices and three predicted amphipathic a-helices.
Across a broad range of species clusterin shows a high degree of sequence homology ranging from 70% to 80%. It is nearly ubiquitously expressed in most mammalian tissues and can be found in plasma, milk, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and semen.
It is able to bind and form complexes with numerous partners such as immunoglobulins, lipids, heparin, bacteria, complement components, paraoxonase, beta amyloid, leptin and others. Clusterin has been ascribed a plethora of functions such as phagocyte recruitment, aggregation induction, complement attack prevention, apoptosis inhibition, membrane remodeling, lipid transport, hormone transport and/or scavenging, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition.
A genuine function of clusterin has not been defined. One tempting hypothesis says that clusterin is an extracellular chaperone protecting cells from stress induced insults caused by degraded and misfolded protein precipitates.
Clusterin is up- or down regulated on the mRNA or protein level in many pathological and clinically relevant situations including cancer, organ regeneration, infection, Alzheimer disease, retinitis pigmentosa, myocardial infarction, renal tubular damage, autoimmunity and others.

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.

Relaxin-3 (RLN3) belongs to the relaxin family. Relaxins are endocrine and autocrine/paracrine hormones. Relaxin, which is produced by the ovary, targets the mammalian reproductive system to ripen the cervix, elongate the pubic symphysis and inhibit uterine contraction. Unlike human Relaxins 1 and 2, Relaxin 3 does not seem to have a role in reproduction; however it is involved in stress response in the brain stem. RLN3 is the only known ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor GPCR135, titled RXFP3. In addition, RLN3 binds the LGR7 (RXFP1) receptor, however with lower affinity than Relaxin-2. Even though binding of RLN3 to LGR7 increases intracellular cAMP, binding to GPCR135 suppresses cAMP accumulation, indicating coupling to Gi, Go, or Gz by this receptor.

Periostin is a disulfide linked 90 kDa, 811 amino acid protein originally isolated as a osteoblast-specific factor that functions as a cell adhesion molecule for preosteoblasts and is thought to be involved in osteoblast recruitment, attachment and spreading. Additionally, periostin expression has previously been shown to be significantly increased by both transforming growth factor beta-1(TGFbeta1) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2). OSF-2 has a typical signal sequence, followed by a cysteine-rich domain, a fourfold repeated domain and a C-terminal domain. The fourfold repeated domain of OSF-2 shows homology with the insect protein fasciclin
Periostin mRNA is expressed in the developing mouse embryonic and fetal heart, and that it is localized to the endocardial cushions that ultimately divide the primitive heart tube into a four-chambered heart.

Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2, also referred to NTRK2, is a tyrosine-protein kinase receptor which takes part in the development & the maturation of the central and the peripheral nervous systems through regulation of neuron survival, migration, proliferation, differentiation and synapse formation & plasticity. NTRK2 acts in learning and memory by regulating both short term synaptic function and long-term potentiation. The substrates that are known for the TRK family receptors are: SHC1, PI-3 kinase and PLC-gamma-1.

IL-21 is produced by CD4+ T cells in response to antigenic stimulation. Its action enhances antigen-specific responses of immune cells. The biological effects of IL-21 include induction of differentiation of T-cells-stimulated B-cells into plasma cells and memory B-cells, stimulation (in conjuction) with IL-4 of IgG production, and induction of apoptotic effects in naive B-cells and stimulated B-cells in the absence of T-cell signaling. Additionally, IL-21 promotes the anti-tumor activity of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells. IL-21 exerts its effect through binding to a specific type I cytokine receptor, IL-21R, which also contains the gamma chain (°C) found in other cytokine receptors including IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15. The IL-21/IL-21R interaction triggers a cascade of events which includes activation of the tyrosine kinases JAK1 and JAK3, followed by activation of the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3.

Interleukin-4 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced primarily by activated T lymphocytes, basophils and mast cells. Multiple immune response-modulating functions are performed by IL-4 on a variety of cell types and it has an important role in the regulator of isotype switching, induction of IgE production in B lymphocytes and differentiation of precursor T helper cells. IL-4 binds to both membrane-bound and secreted soluble IL-4 receptors.

Neuregulin/Heregulin is a family of structurally related polypeptide growth factors which are stemmed from alternatively spliced genes (NRG1, NRG2, NRG3 and NRG4). Thus far, there are more than 14 soluble and transmembrane proteins derived from the NRG1 gene. Proteolytic processing of the extracellular domain of the transmembrane NRG1 isoforms release soluble growth factors. These isoforms contain the heregulins (HRGs), glial growth factors (GGFs) and sensory and motor neuron-derived factor (SMDF). All these factors have the Ig and EGF-like domain, and are able to bind to ErbB3 and ErbB4 receptor tyrosin kinases. This binding stimulates erb3 and erb4 heterodimerization with erb2, promoting intrinsic kinase activity, which results in tyrosine phosphorylation. NRG1 isoforms act to induce the growth and differentiation of epithelial, neuronal, glial, and other types of cells.

IL4 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by activated T cells. IL4 is a ligand for interleukin 4 receptor. The interleukin 4 receptor also binds to IL13, which may contribute to many overlapping functions of this cytokine and IL13. STAT6, a signal transducer and activator of transcription, has been shown to play a central role in mediating the immune regulatory signal of this cytokine. This gene, IL3, IL5, IL13, and CSF2 form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q, with this gene particularly close to IL13. IL4, IL13 and IL5 are found to be regulated coordinately by several long-range regulatory elements in an over 120 kilobase range on the chromosome. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.

IL17D modulates immune responses indirectly by stimulating the production of myeloid growth factors and chemokines, as well as suppressing the proliferation of myeloid progenitors. IL17D is expressed in the skeletal muscle, heart, adipose tissue, lung, pancreas, and nervous system. Among IL-17 family members, IL17D is most closely related to IL17B, sharing 27% aa sequence identity. The treatment of endothelial cells with IL17D cytokine stimulates the production of other cytokines including IL6, IL8 and CSF2/ GM-CSF. The increased expression of IL8 induced by IL17D cytokine is NF-kappa B-dependent.

GCSF is a cytokine that controls the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes. The active protein is found extracellularly. Three transcript variants encoding three different isoforms have been found for the GCSF gene. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factors are cytokines that act in hematopoiesis by controlling the production, differentiation, and function of 2 related white cell populations of the blood, the granulocytes and the monocytes-macrophages. This csf induces granulocytes.

GH is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of hormones which play an important role in growth control. The gene, along with four other related genes, is located at the growth hormone locus on chromosome 17 where they are interspersed in the same transcriptional orientation; an arrangement which is thought to have evolved by a series of gene duplications. The five genes share a remarkably high degree of sequence identity. Alternative splicing generates additional isoforms of each of the five growth hormones, leading to further diversity and potential for specialization. This particular family member is expressed in the pituitary but not in placental tissue as is the case for the other four genes in the growth hormone locus. Mutations in or deletions of the gene lead to growth hormone deficiency and short stature.

Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. OPGand its ligand (OPGL) are cytokines regulating osteoclasto-genesis. OPGL binds to receptors on the surface of preosteoclasts and stimulates their differentiation into active osteoclasts. This leads to osteoresorption. OPG inhibits this osteoclasto-genesis (OPG is secreted by osteoblasts, and binds to OPGL, thus inhibiting maturation of osteoclasts and osteoresorption). The degree and activity of osteoresorption depend mainly on the balance between OPG and its ligand (OPGL); factors increasing OPGL expression mostly reduce OPG expression and vice versa.

The clinical use of the potent anti-tumor activity of TNF-a has been limited by the proinflammatory side effects including fever, dose-limiting hypotension, hepatotoxicity, intravascular thrombosis, and hemorrhage. Designing clinically applicable TNF-a mutants with low systemic toxicity has been an intense pharmacological interest. Human TNF-a, which binds to the murine TNF-R55 but not to the mouse TNF-R75, exhibits retained anti-tumor activity and reduced systemic toxicity in mice compared with murine TNF-a, which binds to both murine TNF receptors. Based on these results, many TNF-? mutants that selectively bind to TNF-R55 have been designed. These mutants displayed cytotoxic activities on tumor cell lines in vitro, and exhibited lower systemic toxicity in vivo.
Recombinant Human TNF-a Variant/Mutant compared with the wild-type, has an amino acid sequence deletion from a.a. 1-7, and the following a.a. substitutes Arg8, Lys9, Arg10 and Phe157 which is proven tohave more activity and with less inflammatory side effect in vivo.

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.

EDN3 interacts with endothelin receptor B, on the surface of cells. Throughout embryonic development, EDN3 takes part in neural crest cells that migrate from the developing spinal cord to specific regions in the embryo, where they give rise to many different types of cells. EDN3 and EDN3R are necessary for the formation of nerves in the large intestine (enteric nerves) and melanocytes (produce melanin). Mutations in the EDN3 gene is linked with Waardenburg syndrome, type IV that is characterized by changes in skin, hair, and eye coloring. Mutations in the EDN3 gene is linked with Hirschsprung disease that causes severe constipation or intestinal blockage

CAMP belongs to the antimicrobial peptide family, contains highly conserved N-terminal signal peptide, a cathelin domain and a structurally variable cationic antimicrobial peptide that produced by extracellular proteolysis from the C-terminus. CAMP has numerous functions besides the antimicrobial activity such as: cell chemotaxis, immune mediator induction and inflammatory response regulation.

Tetratricopeptide repeat protein 33 (TTC33) is comprised of 3 TPR repeats.

Melanoma-associated antigen D1 (MAGED1) belongs to the melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family and expressed in virtually all normal adult tissues. MAGED1 is involved in the p75 neurotrophin receptor mediated programmed cell death pathway. MAGED1 is involved in Prader-Willi syndrome including hyperphagia, repetitive and compulsive behaviors, and cognitive impairment. MAGED1 is involved in the apoptotic response following NGF (nerve growth factor) binding in neuronal cells. MAGED1 hinders cell cycle progression, and facilitates NGFR-mediated apoptosis. MAGED1 functions as a regulator of the function of DLX family members. MAGED1 has a role in the circadian rythm regulation.

Vimentin expression in human malignant glioma cells depends on cellular density, algorithms of drug delivery and chemo/radio treatment. Vimentin and detyrosinated microtubules provide structural support for the extensive microtentacles observed in detached tumor cells and a mechanism to promote successful metastatic spread. Primary colorectal carcinomas display aberrant expression of vimentin, and have activated Notch and TGFbeta signaling pathways. Vimentin is a strong arterial substrate for transglutaminases. Transglutaminase-mediated vimentin dimerization results in a novel unifying pathway by which vasodilatory and remodeling responses may be regulated. Ablation of vimentin expression inhibits migration and invasion of colon and breast cancer cell lines. Vimentin is the main intermediate filament protein in mesenchymal cells and is therefore of value in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated neoplasms.

A 88-kDa progranulin, also called proepithelin and PC cell-derived growth factor, is a single precursor protein of granulins which are a family of secreted, glycosylated peptides that are cleaved from a single precursor protein with 7.5 repeats of a highly conserved 12-cysteine granulin/epithelin motif. Granulins are a variety of active, 6 kDa peptides and named granulin A (epithelin 1), granulin B (epithelin 2), granulin C, etc. Both the peptides and intact progranulin protein regulate cell growth. However, different members of the granulin protein family may act as inhibitors, stimulators, or have dual actions on cell growth. Granulin family members are important in normal development, wound healing, and tumorigenesis.

ER Lipid Raft Associated 2 (ERLIN2) is a domain-containing protein which is a member of the band 7/mec-2 family. ERLIN2 is a ubiquitously expressed 339 amino acid protein.ERLIN2 which is localized to the lipid raft-like domains in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), plays a key role in the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway that eliminates metabolically regulated and abnormal proteins from the ER.