The Reg family was first identified in 1979 when pancreatic stone protein was observed in pancreatic stones and juice obtained from patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis . The protein was later named “regenerating gene” due to its increased expression in regenerating and hyperplastic islets . REG3A is a 19-kilodalton secreted calcium-dependent lectin protein, which means it binds to carbohydrates in a calcium-dependent manner .
REG3A is primarily expressed in the digestive system, including the pancreas, liver, and intestines . Its expression is regulated by various factors such as injury, infection, inflammatory stimuli, and pro-cytokines . During pancreatic inflammation and liver carcinogenesis, the expression of REG3A is significantly enhanced .
REG3A has multiple roles in the human body:
REG3A has been identified as a prognostic biomarker for gastrointestinal chronic graft-versus-host disease (GI-cGVHD), a condition that occurs in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation . Plasma levels of REG3A are significantly increased in patients with GI-cGVHD compared to those without the condition . High levels of REG3A are associated with a higher likelihood of non-relapse mortality in these patients .
Additionally, REG3A has been found to be overexpressed in various gastrointestinal cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer . Its role in cancer is complex, with studies showing both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects depending on the context .
Given its involvement in tissue repair, antimicrobial defense, and inflammation, REG3A holds potential as a therapeutic target for various diseases. Understanding its regulation and function could lead to the development of new treatments for conditions such as chronic inflammatory diseases, infections, and cancer .
In conclusion, Regenerating Islet-Derived 3 Alpha (Human Recombinant) is a multifunctional protein with significant roles in tissue repair, antimicrobial defense, and inflammation. Its clinical significance as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target makes it an important molecule in medical research and treatment.