C1QTNF3 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Complement C1q Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Protein 3 (CTRP3) is a member of the C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) family, which consists of secreted proteins with diverse biological functions. CTRP3, also known as C1QTNF3, was first identified in 2003 and has since been studied for its roles in various physiological and pathological processes .
CTRP3 is composed of an N-terminal variable domain, a collagen-like stalk region, and a characteristic C-terminal globular C1q (gC1q) domain. This structure is similar to other members of the CTRP family and is essential for its trimerization and function . The gC1q domain is particularly important for the protein’s ability to form homo- and heterotypic trimers and oligomers, which can have different biological activities .
CTRP3 is expressed in various tissues and cell types, including adipose tissue, endothelial cells, and the aorta . It is highly conserved across different species, indicating its fundamental role in biological processes . The expression of CTRP3 can be influenced by various factors, including metabolic and inflammatory signals .
CTRP3 has been shown to have multiple biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. It plays a significant role in regulating glucose metabolism and has been found to lower glucose levels in both normal and insulin-resistant mice . Additionally, CTRP3 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells .
The exact mechanisms by which CTRP3 exerts its effects are still being investigated. However, it is known to interact with various receptors and signaling pathways. For example, CTRP3 has been shown to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, which is crucial for its insulin-sensitizing effects . The anti-inflammatory effects of CTRP3 are mediated through its ability to inhibit the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in endothelial cells .
Given its diverse biological functions, CTRP3 is considered a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases . However, the translational usage of CTRP3 is still limited by the incomplete understanding of its redundancy and signal transduction mechanisms .
