Acrp30 Mouse, Trimeric

Adiponectin, also known as Acrp30, is a protein hormone predominantly produced and secreted by adipocytes (fat cells). It plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Adiponectin exists in the bloodstream in three oligomeric forms: trimer (67 kDa), hexamer (140 kDa), and high molecular weight (HMW) multimer (300 kDa) comprising at least 18 monomers .

Adiponectin is the most abundant peptide secreted by adipocytes. It has insulin-sensitizing, anti-atherogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The trimeric form of adiponectin, which is the focus of this article, has been shown to have significant biological activity. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate neuroinflammation, making it a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s .

Adiponectin is primarily expressed in adipose tissue but is also produced by other cell types, including skeletal and cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells. The trimeric form is particularly interesting due to its ability to circulate in the bloodstream and exert systemic effects .

Adiponectin plays a vital role in various metabolic processes:

• Glucose Regulation: It enhances insulin sensitivity, thereby helping in the regulation of blood glucose levels.
• Fatty Acid Oxidation: It promotes the breakdown of fatty acids, contributing to energy homeostasis.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes .

Adiponectin exerts its effects through two main receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. These receptors are widely distributed in various tissues, including the liver, skeletal muscle, and vasculature. The trimeric form of adiponectin binds to these receptors, activating signaling pathways that lead to its beneficial metabolic effects .

The production and secretion of adiponectin are regulated by several factors, including:

• Nutritional Status: Fasting increases adiponectin levels, while feeding decreases them.
• Hormones: Insulin and glucocorticoids can modulate adiponectin expression.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Proteins: Proteins such as ER oxidoreductase 1-α (Ero1-α) and ER resident protein 44 (ERp44) are involved in the assembly and secretion of adiponectin complexes .

Given its beneficial effects, adiponectin, particularly the trimeric form, has been explored as a therapeutic target for various metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, liver-specific adiponectin gene therapy has shown promise in treating Alzheimer’s disease by reducing neuroinflammation and improving memory functions in mouse models .