Secretagogin Human Recombinant
Secretagogin Rat Recombinant
Secretagogin (SCGN) is a calcium-binding protein encoded by the SCGN gene. It belongs to the EF-hand calcium-binding protein family, which includes other well-known proteins such as calbindin D-28K and calretinin . Secretagogin is primarily involved in calcium ion binding and is found in various tissues, including the pancreas and nervous system .
Key Biological Properties: Secretagogin is a calcium-binding protein with six EF-hand motifs, which are crucial for its calcium-binding ability . It plays a significant role in calcium ion homeostasis and signaling.
Expression Patterns: Secretagogin is expressed in several tissues, with high levels in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, the nervous system, and neuroendocrine cells . It is also found in the pituitary gland, cerebellar cortex, and olfactory epithelium .
Tissue Distribution: The protein is widely distributed in the body, with notable expression in the pancreas, brain, and various endocrine tissues .
Primary Biological Functions: Secretagogin is involved in the regulation of calcium ion concentration within cells, which is essential for various cellular processes such as exocytosis and neurotransmitter release . It also plays a role in hormone secretion, particularly insulin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While secretagogin’s primary functions are related to calcium signaling and hormone secretion, its role in immune responses and pathogen recognition is less well-defined. However, its involvement in cellular signaling pathways suggests it may have indirect effects on immune function .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Secretagogin interacts with various proteins and molecules to mediate its functions. For example, it binds to Doc2α, a high-affinity calcium sensor, to regulate asynchronous and spontaneous glutamate release in neurons . This interaction is crucial for synaptic vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Secretagogin’s binding partners include other calcium-binding proteins and components of the SNARE complex, which are involved in vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release . These interactions trigger downstream signaling cascades that regulate cellular processes such as hormone secretion and synaptic plasticity .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of secretagogin is regulated at the transcriptional level by various factors, including calcium ion concentration and hormonal signals .
Post-Translational Modifications: Secretagogin undergoes post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, which can affect its calcium-binding properties and interactions with other proteins .
Biomedical Research: Secretagogin is used as a marker for neuroendocrine cells and pancreatic islet cells in research studies . Its role in calcium signaling and hormone secretion makes it a valuable tool for studying cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
Diagnostic Tools: Secretagogin’s expression patterns and involvement in hormone secretion have potential diagnostic applications, particularly in identifying neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic disorders .
Therapeutic Strategies: Understanding secretagogin’s role in insulin secretion and calcium signaling could lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders .
Development: Secretagogin is expressed during development, particularly in the nervous system and endocrine tissues . Its role in calcium signaling is crucial for the proper development of these tissues.
Aging and Disease: Secretagogin’s expression and function can be affected by aging and disease. For example, its role in insulin secretion makes it relevant to the study of diabetes, while its involvement in neurotransmitter release links it to neurodegenerative diseases .