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RCAN1 encoded by a gene located in the human chromosome 21, interacts with calcineurin A and inhibits calcineurin-dependent signaling pathways, possibly affecting central nervous system development. RCAN1 is located in the minimal candidate region for the Down syndrome phenotype, and is over expressed in the brain of Down syndrome fetuses. Chronic over expression of this gene may lead to neurofibrillary tangles such as those associated with Alzheimer disease. Three transcript variants encoding three different isoforms have been found for this gene.
DSCR1 Inhibits calcineurin-dependent transcriptional responses by binding to the catalytic domain of calcineurin A, possibly affecting central nervous system development.

Calretinin is an intracellular calcium-binding protein belonging to the troponin C superfamily characterized by a structural motif described as the EF-hand domain. The immunohistochemical detection of calretinin in developing cerebellum is restricted to the later stages indicated by weak staining from week 21 of gestation, in Purkinje and basket cells and in neurons of the dentate nucleus. The intensity of staining increases as the cerebellum matures. In tumors, calretinin has been detected in mesotheliomas and some pulmonary adenocarcinomas.

S100A16 belongs to the S100 protein super family containing calcium-binding EF-hand motifs. S100 proteins are cell and tissue specific and are engaged in various intra and extracellular processes through interacting with specific target proteins. The S100A16 expression is astrocyte-specific. S100A16 accumulates within nucleoli and translocates to the cytoplasm in reaction to Ca(2+) stimulation. S100A16 physically interacts with tumor suppressor protein p53 (which is a known inhibitor of adipogenesis) as determined Immunoprecipitation analysis.

Tachykinin-1 (TAC1) belongs to the tachykinin peptide hormone family. TAC1 are a family of peptides which have similar biologic activities and share a common C-terminal sequence, phe-X-gly-leu-met-NH2, however they have distinct N-terminal sequences that convey receptor specificities. TAC1 is assumed to act as neurotransmitters which interact with nerve receptors and smooth muscle cells. TAC1 induces behavioral responses and serves as vasodilators and secretagogues.

S100A12 belongs to the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 family members are localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of a wide range of cells, and are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. S100A12 may be involved in specific calcium-dependent signal transduction pathways and its regulatory effect on cytoskeletal components may modulate various neutrophil activities.

NEDD8 is part of the ubiquitin family. Human NEDD8 shares 60% amino acid sequence homology to ubiquitin. The NEDD8 system is essential for the regulation of protein degradation pathways involved in cell cycle progression, morphogenesis and tumorigenesis. NEDD8 is involved in cell cycle control and embryogenesis. Covalent attachment to its substrates requires prior activation by the E-1 complex UbE1c- appbp1 and linkage to the E-2 enzyme UbE2m. Attachment of NEDD8 to cullins activates their associated E-3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and thus promotes polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of cyclins and other regulatory proteins.

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.

Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K) is threonine kinase which regulates protein synthesis by means of controlling the rate of peptide chain elongation. Upon activation through a diversity of upstream kinases including AMPK or TRPM7, EEF2K phosphorylates the elongation factor EEF2 at a sole site, renders it unable to bind ribosomes and therefore inactive. In turn, the rate of protein synthesis is being reduced.

Glucagon receptor is part of the glucagon receptor family which also contains GLP-1, GLP-2, GHRH and GIP receptors. GCGR regulates blood glucose levels and is mainly expressed in the pancreas, liver and kidneys. Mutations in GCGR are a cause of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Lipocalin-2 also called Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) belongs to a family of lipocans which include 25 proteins (including a1-microglobulin and b-lactoglobulin), which are characterized by their ability to bind small lipophilic substances in their hydrophobic core.
They thereby serve as transporters of substances like retinal, biliverdins & prostaglandins. There are indications that NGAL is involved in modulation of the inflammatory response and is found in the plasma of patients after stroke.

S100A6 is a member of the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are localized either in the cytoplasm or the nucleus of a wide range of cells. S100 proteins are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. There are at least 13 members in the S100 gene family, which are located as a cluster on chromosome 1q21.
S100A6 may function in stimulation of Ca2+-dependent insulin release, stimulation of prolactin secretion, and exocytosis. Chromosomal rearrangements and altered expression of the S100A6 gene are implicated in melanoma.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), or parathormone, is secreted by the parathyroid glands as a polypeptide containing 84 amino acids. It acts to increase the concentration of calcium in the blood, whereas calcitonin (a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland) acts to decrease calcium concentration. PTH acts to increase the concentration of calcium in the blood by acting upon parathyroid hormone receptor in three parts of the body: In the bones- It enhances the release of calcium from the large reservoir contained in the bones. Bone resorption is the normal destruction of bone by osteoclasts, which are indirectly stimulated by PTH. Stimulation is indirect since osteoclasts do not have a receptor for PTH; rather, PTH binds to osteoblasts, the cells responsible for creating bone. Binding stimulates osteoblasts to increase their expression of RANKL, which can bind to osteoclast precursors containing RANK, a receptor for RANKL. The binding of RANKL to RANK stimulates these precursors to fuse, forming new osteoclasts which ultimately enhances the resorption of bone. In the kidney- It enhances active reabsorption of calcium from distal tubules and the thick ascending limb. In the intestine- It enhances the absorption of calcium in the intestine by increasing the production of vitamin D and upregulating the enzyme responsible for 1-alpha hydroxylation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, converting vitamin D to its active form (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D) which effects the actual absorption of calcium (as Ca2+ ions) by the intestine via calbindin.

GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of minergic neurons in culture, and is able to prevent apoptosis of motor neurons induced by axotomy. The encoded protein is processed to a mature secreted form that exists as a homodimer. The mature form of the protein is a ligand for the product of the RET (rearranged during transfection) protooncogene. In addition to the transcript encoding GDNF, two additional alternative transcripts encoding distinct proteins, referred to as astrocyte-derived trophic factors, have also been described. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Hirschsprung disease.
GDNF enhances survival and morphological differentiation of minergic neurons and increases their high-affinity uptake.

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.

The MCFD2-LMAN1 complex forms an explicit cargo receptor for the ER-to-Golgi transport of selected proteins. MCFD2 is involved in the secretion of coagulation factors. MCFD2 is expressed by neural stem/progenitor cells of the hippocampus, and localized to region where neurogenesis persists throughout life. MCFD2 prevents NSC cell death and maintains stem cell characteristics. MCFD2 forms a complex with LAMN1 that facilitates the transport of coagulation factors V and VIII from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus through an endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment. Mutations in the MCFD2 cause Factor V and Factor VIII combined deficiency.

CETN1 is an EF-hand type Ca2+-binding protein. CETN1 is localized to the centrosome of interphase cells, and reorganizes the region of the spindle poles during mitosis, reflecting the dynamic behavior of the centrosome during the cell cycle. CETN1 has a vital part in the determination of centrosome position and isolation, and in the course of microtubule separating.

ENO1 is a homodimeric soluble protein that encodes a smaller monomeric structural lens protein, tau-crystallin. ENO1 is a glycolytic enzyme expressed in mainly all tissues. ENO1 isoenzyme full length protein is found in the cytoplasm. The shorter protein is formed from another translation start that is restricted to the nucleus, and binds to a component in the c-myc promoter. ENO1 is involved in anaerobic metabolism under hypoxic conditions and plays a role as a cell surface plasminogen receptor during tissue invasion. Irregular expression of Enolase-1 is linked with tumor progression in several cases of breast and lung cancer. Enolase-1 is as an auto antigen associated with Hashimoto's encephalopathy and severe asthma. ENO1 is the target protein of serum anti-endothelial antibody in Behcet's disease.

VCAM1 is a member of the Ig superfamily. It is a cell surface sialoglycoprotein expressed by cytokine activated endothelium. VCAM-1 contains 6 or 7 immunoglobulin domains, and is expressed on both large and small vessels only after the endothelial cells are stimulated by cytokines. The protein has a number of functions including the regulation of leukocyte migration, leukocyte endothelial cell adhesion and signal transduction and may play a role in a number of inflammatory diseases (artherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis).

STC2 is a homodimeric glycoprotein that is expressed in a wide variety of tissues and may have autocrine or paracrine functions. The encoded protein has 10 of its 15 cysteine residues conserved among stanniocalcin family members and is phosphorylated by casein kinase 2 exclusively on its serine residues. Its C-terminus contains a cluster of histidine residues which may interact with metal ions. The protein may play a role in the regulation of renal and intestinal calcium and phosphate transport, cell metabolism, or cellular calcium/phosphate homeostasis. Constitutive over expression of human stanniocalcin 2 in mice resulted in pre- and postnatal growth restriction, reduced bone and skeletal muscle growth, and organomegaly. Expression of this gene is induced by estrogen and altered in some breast cancers.

Lxn also known as Latexin is a member of the protease inhibitor I47 (latexin) family. Lxn's function is hardly reversible, non-competitive, as well as potent inhibitor of CPA1, CPA2 and CPA4. Furthermore, Lxn plays a role in inflammation. Among the diseases associated with LXN are endocervicitis and listeriosis.

Calmodulin-2 acts as an intracellular calcium sensor protein. When the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increases, calmodulin can bind up to four Ca2+, changing its conformation and regulating cellular functions such as activation or inhibition of a large number of enzymes, ion channels, and receptors. P53 protein stimulates CALM2 gene expression in 041 cells. CALM-2 is involved in the processes of Ca(2+)-induced neuronal cell death and the blockage of calmodulin attenuates brain injury after cerebral ischemia. Calmodulin-2 mediates the control of a large number of enzymes and other proteins by ca(2+). among the enzymes to be stimulated by the calmodulin-ca(2+) complex are a number of protein kinases and phosphatases.

Calmodulin (CaM) is an intracellular receptor protein for Ca2+-ions. It activates the myosin light chain kinase which is the catalyst of myosin phosphorylation. CaM participates in the activation of enzymes such as cyclic nucleotide- dependent phosphodiesterase, calcineurin, ATPase, Myosin Light Chain Kinases, and CAM kinase.