Enzymes
Product List
LCN1 Human
Lipocalin-1 Human Recombinant
LCN1 is fused to a 25 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
LCN2 Human
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin/Lipocalin-2 Human Recombinant
LCN2 Human, His
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin/Lipocalin-2 Human Recombinant, His Tag
The LCN2 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
LCN2 Human, Pichia
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin/Lipocalin-2 Human Recombinant, Pichia
The LCN2 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
LCN2 Mouse
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin/Lipocalin-2 Mouse Recombinant
LCN2 Rat
Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin/Lipocalin-2 Rat Recombinant
Introduction
Lipocalins are a diverse family of small extracellular proteins known for their ability to transport small hydrophobic molecules such as steroids, bilins, retinoids, and lipids . They share a common tertiary structure characterized by an eight-stranded antiparallel beta-barrel, which encloses an internal ligand-binding site . Lipocalins are found across various species, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals .
Key Biological Properties: Lipocalins exhibit significant heterogeneity in sequence similarity but maintain highly conserved crystal structures . They are involved in various biological processes, including immune response, pheromone transport, and prostaglandin synthesis .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Lipocalins are expressed in a wide range of tissues and cells. For example, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is expressed in neutrophils, while retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is primarily found in the liver and adipose tissue . Their expression patterns are often tissue-specific, reflecting their diverse roles in different biological contexts .
Primary Biological Functions: Lipocalins primarily function as carrier proteins, transporting hydrophobic molecules to various parts of the body . They also play roles in olfaction, prostaglandin synthesis, and cellular homeostasis .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Lipocalins are key players in nutritional immunity by sequestering micronutrients, thereby regulating inflammatory and detoxification processes . They are also involved in pathogen recognition and immune response modulation .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Lipocalins interact with various molecules and cells through their ligand-binding sites. They can bind to a wide range of ligands, including iron via siderophores, flavonoids, and heme . These interactions facilitate the transport and sequestration of essential molecules .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Lipocalins often interact with specific receptors on cell surfaces, triggering downstream signaling cascades that regulate cellular functions . For instance, LCN2 binds to the 24p3 receptor, influencing iron homeostasis and immune responses .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of lipocalins is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. Various transcription factors and signaling pathways modulate their gene expression in response to physiological and environmental stimuli .
Post-Translational Modifications: Lipocalins undergo several post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which influence their stability, localization, and activity .
Biomedical Research: Lipocalins are extensively studied in biomedical research due to their diverse functions and roles in various diseases . They serve as model proteins for studying protein-ligand interactions and transport mechanisms .
Diagnostic Tools: Certain lipocalins, such as LCN2, are used as biomarkers for diagnosing conditions like acute kidney injury and inflammation .
Therapeutic Strategies: Lipocalins are explored as therapeutic agents for treating diseases like cancer and infections. Their ability to bind and transport molecules makes them potential candidates for drug delivery systems .
Development to Aging and Disease: Lipocalins play crucial roles throughout the life cycle. During development, they are involved in processes like tissue differentiation and organogenesis . In adulthood, they maintain cellular homeostasis and protect against oxidative stress . As organisms age, lipocalins help mitigate age-related cellular damage and contribute to the immune response .
