Rat Advanced Glycosylation End Product-Specific Receptor (AGER) Protein

Background

AGER, also known as RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products), is a transmembrane receptor belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily that binds to AGEs and other ligands such as S100 proteins, HMGB1, and amyloid-β. AGER is widely expressed, particularly in the endothelium, lungs, brain, and immune cells, and plays a critical role in inflammatory and oxidative stress signaling. Binding of AGEs to AGER activates downstream pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Overexpression or chronic activation of AGER is associated with diseases such as diabetes complications, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer, where it exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage. AGER is a promising therapeutic target for reducing AGE-mediated pathologies and modulating immune and metabolic dysfunction.