Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is a 25 kDa protein belonging to the lipocalin superfamily. It was initially found in activated neutrophils, however, many other cells, like kidney tubular cells, may produce NGAL in response to various insults. This protein is released from injured tubular cells after various damaging stimuli, is already known by nephrologists as one of the most promising biomarkers of incoming Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Recent evidence also suggests its role as a biomarker in a variety of other renal and non-renal conditions. Moreover, recent studies seem to suggest a potential involvement of this factor also in the genesis and progression of chronic kidney diseases. NGAL is the first known mammalian protein which specifically binds organic molecules called siderophores, which are high-affinity iron chelators. NGAL, first known as an antibacterial factor of natural immunity, and an acute phase protein, is currently one of the most interesting and enigmatic proteins involved in the process of tumor development. acting as an intracellular iron carrier and protecting MMP9 from proteolytic degradation, NGAL has a clear pro-tumoral effect. In thyroid carcinomas, NGAL is strongly induced by NF-kB, an important factor involved both in tumor growth and in the link between chronic inflammation and neoplastic development. Thus, Lipocalin-2 (LCN2/NGAL) has been implicated in a variety of processes including cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and morphogenesis.
Lipocalin-2, also known as Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), is a secretory protein of the lipocalin superfamily. Lipocalin-2 contains a signal peptide that enables it to be secreted and form complexes with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through disulfide bonds. Similar to other lipocalin family members, Lipocalin-2 is involved in diverse cellular processes, including the transport of small hydrophobic molecules, protection of MMP-9 from proteolytic degradation, and cell signaling. Furthermore, Lipocalin-2 can tightly bind to bacterial siderophore through a cell surface receptor, possibly serving as a potent bacteriostatic agent by sequestering iron, regulating innate immunity and protecting kidney epithelial cells from ischemia–reperfusion injury. This protein is mainly expressed in neutrophils and in lower levels in the kidney, prostate, and epithelia of the respiratory and alimentary tracts.Recent evidence also suggests its role as a biomarker for renal injury and inflammation.
Lipocalin-2, also known as Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), is a secretory protein of the lipocalin superfamily. Lipocalin-2 contains a signal peptide that enables it to be secreted and form complexes with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through disulfide bonds. Similar to other lipocalin family members, Lipocalin-2 is involved in diverse cellular processes, including the transport of small hydrophobic molecules, protection of MMP-9 from proteolytic degradation, and cell signaling. Furthermore, Lipocalin-2 can tightly bind to bacterial siderophore through a cell surface receptor, possibly serving as a potent bacteriostatic agent by sequestering iron, regulating innate immunity and protecting kidney epithelial cells from ischemia–reperfusion injury. This protein is mainly expressed in neutrophils and in lower levels in the kidney, prostate, and epithelia of the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Recent evidence also suggests its role as a biomarker for renal injury and inflammation.
NGF is the first member discovered in the Neurotrophin family, which includes brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), neurotrophin-3(NT-3), and neurotrophin-4(NT-4). These proteins belong to the cysteine-knot family of growth factors that assume stable dimeric structures. Mouse beta-NGF is a homodimer of two 120 amino acid polypeptides. It shares approximately 90% homology at the amino acid level with human beta-NGF and 95.8% with rat beta-NGF. NGF signaling has been shown to play an important role in neuroprotection and repair. β-NGF acts as a growth and differentiation factor for B lymphocytes, and enhances B-cell survival. It is a potent neurotrophic factor that signals through its receptor β-NGFR, and plays a crucial role in the development and preservation of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems.
NGF is the first member discovered in the Neurotrophin family, which includes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). These proteins belong to the cysteine-knot family of growth factors that assume stable dimeric structures. Mouse beta-NGF is a homodimer of two 120 amino acid polypeptides. It shares approximately 90% homology at the amino acid level with human beta-NGF and 95.8% with rat beta-NGF. NGF signaling has been shown to play an important role in neuroprotection and repair. β-NGF acts as a growth and differentiation factor for B lymphocytes, and enhances B-cell survival. It is a potent neurotrophic factor that signals through its receptor β-NGFR, and plays a crucial role in the development and preservation of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems.
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