Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor and an essential cytokine belonging to the CSF family of hormone-like glycoproteins that regulate haematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation. G-CSF was isolated initially as a factor supporting the growth of colonies of granulocytes in soft agar cultures. Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage are among the most prominent sources of G-CSF, but this factor can also be produced by normal cells of mesodermal origin, in

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an acid- and heat-stable 53 amino acid protein originally found in rodents and humans. It has been shown to be a potent mitogen for a variety of cell types both in vivo and in vitro. EGF binds to the EGF receptor on the surface of cells and mediates intrinsic phosphorylation of the receptor on tyrosine residues. It has been detected in nearly all body fluids, such as urine (urogastrone), saliva, milk and platelet-rich plasma. EGF, TGF?and vaccinia virus gr

This gene encodes transthyretin, one of the three prealbumins including alpha-1-antitrypsin, transthyretin and orosomucoid. Transthyretin is a carrier protein; it transports thyroid hormones in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, and also transports retinol (vitamin A) in the plasma. The protein consists of a tetramer of identical subunits. More than 80 different mutations in this gene have been reported; most mutations are related to amyloid deposition, affecting predominantly peripheral ne

Key component of innate and adaptive immunity. TLRs (Toll-like receptors) control host immune response against pathogens through recognition of molecular patterns specific of microorganisms. TLR7 is a nucleotide-sensing TLR which is activated by single-stranded RNA. Acts via MYD88 and TRAF6, leading to NF-kappa-B activation, cytokine secretion and the inflammatory response.

Catalase is the classical marker for peroxisomes and is the most abundant protein within peroxisomes. It is found in almost all aerobically respiring organisms and serves to protect cells from the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide.

Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) catalyzes the conversion of L glutamate to g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and a putative paracrine signal molecule in pancreatic islets. GAD has a restricted tissue distribution. It is highly expressed in the cytoplasm of GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and pancreatic beta cells. It is also present in other non-neuronal tissues such as testis, oviduct and ovary. GAD is also transientl