LCN2
Encyclopedia
Lipocalin-2 also known as oncogene 24p3 or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the LCN2 gene
.
s is important in the innate immune response to bacterial infection. Upon encountering invading bacteria the toll-like receptor
s on immune cells stimulate the synthesis and secretion of lipocalin-2. Secreted lipocalin-2 then limits bacterial growth by sequestering iron-containing siderophores. Lipocalin-2 also functions as a growth factor
.
NGAL is strongly upregulated during inflammation and is upregulated by interleukin 1 (but not TNF alpha) in humans. There are indications that some forms of acne
could be caused due to the gene not being transcribed, and that Isotretinoin
corrects this.
NFAT3 (NFATc4)NFAT
by blocking the expression of LCN2 inhibits breast carcinoma cell motility.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the LCN2 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
The binding of lipocalin-2 to bacterial siderophoreSiderophore
Siderophores are small, high-affinity iron chelating compounds secreted by grasses and microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi...
s is important in the innate immune response to bacterial infection. Upon encountering invading bacteria the toll-like receptor
Toll-like receptor
Toll-like receptors are a class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system. They are single, membrane-spanning, non-catalytic receptors that recognize structurally conserved molecules derived from microbes...
s on immune cells stimulate the synthesis and secretion of lipocalin-2. Secreted lipocalin-2 then limits bacterial growth by sequestering iron-containing siderophores. Lipocalin-2 also functions as a growth factor
Growth factor
A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation and cellular differentiation. Usually it is a protein or a steroid hormone. Growth factors are important for regulating a variety of cellular processes....
.
NGAL is strongly upregulated during inflammation and is upregulated by interleukin 1 (but not TNF alpha) in humans. There are indications that some forms of acne
Acne
Acne is a general term used for acneiform eruptions. It is usually used as a synonym for acne vulgaris, but may also refer to:*Acne aestivalis*Acne conglobata*Acne cosmetica*Acne fulminans*Acne keloidalis nuchae*Acne mechanica...
could be caused due to the gene not being transcribed, and that Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, INN, is a medication used mostly for cystic acne. It was first developed for brain, pancreatic and other cancers. It is used to treat harlequin-type ichthyosis, a usually lethal skin disease, and lamellar ichthyosis. Its effects are systemic and nonselective...
corrects this.
NFAT3 (NFATc4)NFAT
NFAT
Nuclear factor of activated T-cells is a general name applied to a family of transcription factors shown to be important in immune response. One or more members of the NFAT family is expressed in most cells of the immune system...
by blocking the expression of LCN2 inhibits breast carcinoma cell motility.