NAP-2 is produced as a precursor protein known as platelet basic protein (PBP), which undergoes proteolytic processing to generate the active form. The recombinant human NAP-2 consists of 95 amino acids and is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a non-glycosylated polypeptide . The molecular mass of this protein is approximately 7609 Daltons .
NAP-2 is released in large amounts from platelets following their activation. It stimulates various cellular processes, including:
Additionally, NAP-2 acts as a potent chemoattractant and activator of neutrophils, stimulating their degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators and degradative enzymes .
NAP-2 has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer. It has been shown to induce endothelial cell proliferation and chemotaxis, which are critical for angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). This makes NAP-2 a potential target for cancer treatment strategies due to its role in tumor growth, survival, invasion, and metastasis .