Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes (fat cells) that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. It exists in various multimeric forms, with the high molecular weight (HMW) form being the most biologically active. Adiponectin has significant implications in metabolic processes, including insulin sensitivity and anti-inflammatory responses .
Recombinant adiponectin is produced using various expression systems, including Escherichia coli, mammalian cells, and insect cells. Among these, the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell line is a popular choice due to its ability to produce properly folded and post-translationally modified proteins .
Recombinant adiponectin, particularly the HMW form, has shown promise in various therapeutic applications. It has been studied for its potential to treat metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, due to its insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties . Additionally, recombinant adiponectin can be used in research to better understand its role in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases .