METRN - Meteorin (Like) | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

Meteorin (METRN) is a secreted protein that belongs to the meteorin-like family, which includes Meteorin (METRN), Meteorin-like protein (METRNL), and Meteorin-like protein 2 (METRNL2). METRN is involved in various physiological processes, including neurodevelopment, immune regulation, and metabolism. METRN is known to promote the differentiation, survival, and growth of neurons during development. It helps in the formation and maintenance of neuronal networks, and it has been shown to regulate axon guidance and synaptic connectivity. METRN exhibits neuroprotective properties by promoting neuronal survival and resilience under conditions of stress or injury. It may help mitigate neuronal damage and degeneration in various neurodegenerative diseases and injury models. METRN has been also implicated in immune regulation, with evidence suggesting its involvement in modulating immune cell functions and inflammatory responses. It may play a role in regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. METRN has emerging roles in metabolic regulation, particularly in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. It may influence energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid homeostasis, although the exact mechanisms are still being elucidated. METRN is expressed in various tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS), adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and immune cells. Its expression levels can vary depending on developmental stage, tissue type, and physiological conditions.

Protein Structure:

Meteorin is a glycoprotein composed of approximately 300 amino acids. The primary structure of Meteorin includes several functional domains:

• Signal Peptide: At the N-terminus, directing the protein for secretion.
• Core Domain: The central part of the protein, which is essential for its biological activity.
• Glycosylation Sites: Potential sites for post-translational modifications that influence protein stability and function.

Classification and Subtypes:

Meteorin belongs to a family of neurotrophic factors, which are proteins that promote the survival, development, and function of neurons. There are at least two known isoforms of Meteorin:

• Meteorin-α (METRNα): The more extensively studied isoform, involved in neurogenesis and glial differentiation.
• Meteorin-β (METRNβ): Another isoform, also implicated in nervous system function and possibly other physiological processes.

Function and Biological Significance:

Meteorin plays a vital role in the nervous system by promoting:

• Neurogenesis: It stimulates the formation of new neurons from neural progenitor cells.
• Glial Cell Differentiation: It induces the differentiation of neural progenitor cells into astrocytes and other glial cell types.
• Axonal Growth: Supports the growth and guidance of axons during neural development.
• Neuroprotection: Provides protective effects against various forms of neural injury.

Interactions:

• Cytokines and Growth Factors: Meteorin can interact with other signaling molecules such as ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to enhance neurotrophic effects.
• Cell Surface Receptors: While the specific receptors for Meteorin are not fully identified, it is believed to interact with cell surface proteins that mediate its signaling pathways, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular behavior.

Clinical Issues:

• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Given its role in neuroprotection and neurogenesis, Meteorin has potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Injuries: Meteorin could be used to promote repair and regeneration in cases of CNS injuries, such as spinal cord injuries.
• Neuropathic Pain: Modulating Meteorin levels might be a strategy to address neuropathic pain conditions.

Summary:

Meteorin is a neurotrophic factor with significant roles in neurogenesis, glial cell differentiation, and axonal growth. Its interactions with other growth factors and cell surface receptors facilitate these processes, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases and CNS injuries. As research progresses, Meteorin's precise mechanisms of action and clinical applications will be further elucidated.