A family of tissue-specific resistin-like molecules

CM Steppan, EJ Brown, CM Wright… - Proceedings of the …, 2001 - National Acad Sciences
CM Steppan, EJ Brown, CM Wright, S Bhat, RR Banerjee, CY Dai, GH Enders, DG Silberg…
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001National Acad Sciences
We have identified a family of resistin-like molecules (RELMs) in rodents and humans.
Resistin is a hormone produced by fat cells. RELMα is a secreted protein that has a
restricted tissue distribution with highest levels in adipose tissue. Another family member,
RELMβ, is a secreted protein expressed only in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the
colon, in both mouse and human. RELMβ gene expression is highest in proliferative
epithelial cells and is markedly increased in tumors, suggesting a role in intestinal …
We have identified a family of resistin-like molecules (RELMs) in rodents and humans. Resistin is a hormone produced by fat cells. RELMα is a secreted protein that has a restricted tissue distribution with highest levels in adipose tissue. Another family member, RELMβ, is a secreted protein expressed only in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, in both mouse and human. RELMβ gene expression is highest in proliferative epithelial cells and is markedly increased in tumors, suggesting a role in intestinal proliferation. Resistin and the RELMs share a cysteine composition and other signature features. Thus, the RELMs together with resistin comprise a class of tissue-specific signaling molecules.
National Acad Sciences