Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic, alpha-helical, 22-28 kDa phosphorylated and variably glycosylated cytokine that plays important roles in the acute phase reaction, inflammation, hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and cancer progression. IL-6 induces signaling through a cell surface heterodimeric receptor complex composed of a ligand binding subunit (IL-6 R alpha) and a signal transducing subunit (gp130). IL-6 binds to IL-6 R alpha, triggering IL-6 R alpha association with gp130 and gp130 dimerization. Soluble forms of IL-6 R alpha are generated by both alternative splicing and proteolytic cleavage. In a mechanism known as trans-signaling, complexes of soluble IL-6 and IL-6 R alpha elicit responses from gp130-expressing cells that lack cell surface IL-6 R alpha. Trans-signaling enables a wider range of cell types to respond to IL-6, as the expression of gp130 is ubiquitous, while that of IL-6 R alpha is predominantly restricted to hepatocytes, monocytes, and resting lymphocytes. Soluble splice forms of gp130 block trans-signaling from IL-6/IL-6 R alpha but not from other cytokines that use gp130 as a co-receptor. IL-6, along with TNF-alpha and IL-1, drives the acute inflammatory response and the transition from acute inflammation to either acquired immunity or chronic inflammatory disease. IL-6 can also function as an anti-inflammatory molecule, as in skeletal muscle where it is secreted in response to exercise. In addition, it enhances hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and the differentiation of Th17 cells, memory B cells, and plasma cells.
Osteopontin (OPN, previously also referred to as transformation-associated secreted phosphoprotein, bone sialoprotein I, 2ar, 2B7, early T lymphocyte activation 1 protein, minopotin, calcium oxalate crystal growth inhibitor protein), is a secreted, highly acidic, calcium-binding, RGD-containing, phosphorylated glycoprotein originally isolated from bone matrix. Subsequently, OPN has been found in kidney, placenta, blood vessels and various tumor tissues. Many cell types (including macrophages, osteoclasts, activated T cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and natural killer cells) can express OPN in response to activation by cytokines, growth factors or inflammatory mediators. Elevated expression of OPN has also been associated with numerous pathobiological conditions such as atherosclerotic plaques, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, granuloma formations in tuberculosis and silicosis, neointimal formation associated with balloon catheterization, metastasizing tumors, and cerebral ischemia. Functionally, OPN is chemotactic for macrophages, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and glial cells. OPN has also been shown to inhibit nitric oxide production and cytotoxicity by activated macrophages. Human, mouse, rat, pig and bovine OPN share from approximately 40-80% amino acid sequence identity. Osteopontin is a substrate for proteolytic cleavage by thrombin, enterokinase, MMP-3 and MMP-7. The functions of OPN in a variety of cell types were shown to be modified as a result of proteolytic cleavage.
S100 protein is a family of low molecular weight protein found in vertebrates characterized by two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. There are at least 21 different S100 proteins, and the name is derived from the fact that the protein is 100% soluble in ammonium sulfate at neutral pH. Most S100 proteins are disulfide-linked homodimer, and is normally present in cells derived from the neural crest, chondrocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, etc. S100 proteins have been implicated in a variety of intracellular and extracellular functions. They are involved in regulation of protein phosphorylation, transcription factors, the dynamics of cytoskeleton constituents, enzyme activities, cell growth and differentiation, and the inflammatory response. Protein S100-A12, also known as S100 calcium-binding protein A12, Calcium-binding protein in amniotic fluid 1, Calgranulin-C, and S100A12, is a member of the S-101 family. Like the majority of S100 proteins, S100A12 is a dimer, with the interface between the two subunits being composed mostly of hydrophobic residues. The fold of S100A12 is similar to the other known crystal and solution structures of S100 proteins, except for the linker region between the two EF-hand motifs. S100A12 plays an important role in the inflammatory response.
Growth factor active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth. Induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, inhibits apoptosis and induces permeabilization of blood vessels. Binds to the FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2 receptors, heparan sulfate and heparin. NRP1/Neuropilin-1 binds isoforms VEGF-165 and VEGF-145. Isoform VEGF165B binds to KDR but does not activate downstream signaling pathways, does not activate angiogenesis and inhibits tumor growth.
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