Prostaglandins are produced by the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Prostaglandin E2 is one of the five physiologically significant prostanoids known. Its wide spectrum of physiologic and pharmacologic effects in various tissues is mediated through binding to the Prostaglandin E2 receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3 & EP4). These include effects on the immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, renal and reproductive systems as well as smooth muscle. It is also one of the most abundant of the prostanoid f

ITGAL encodes the integrin alpha L chain. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. This I-domain containing alpha integrin combines with the beta 2 chain (ITGB2) to form the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), which is expressed on all leukocytes. LFA-1 plays a central role in leukocyte intercellular adhesion through interactions with its ligands, ICAMs 1-3 (intercellular adhesion molecules 1 through 3), and als

Perilipins, members of the PAT protein family (named after lipid droplet proteins Perilipin, Adipophilin, and TIP47) are found exclusively at the surface of lipid droplets in adipocytes and steroidogenic cells. They have been suggested to function as regulators of lipolysis and triacylglycerol storage within adipose tissue. Four distinct isoforms ranging from perilipin A (57 kDa) to perilipin D (26 kDa) have been identified and they share an identical amino terminal sequences, and contain

This gene encodes a pleckstrin homology domain-containing adapter protein. The encoded protein is localized to the plasma membrane where it specifically binds phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate. This protein may be involved in the formation of signaling complexes in the plasma membrane. Polymorphisms in this gene are associated with age-related macular degeneration. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. A pseudogene of this gene is found on chromosome 5.[provided by Ref

This gene encodes a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) family of cytokines, which are multifunctional peptides that regulate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, and other functions in many cell types. Many cells have TGFB receptors, and the protein positively and negatively regulates many other growth factors. The secreted protein is cleaved into a latency-associated peptide (LAP) and a mature TGFB1 peptide, and is found in either a latent form composed o

The asymmetric unit membrane (AUM) forms numerous plaques, which cover the apical surface of the urothelium. These plaques are thought to strengthen the urothelium and reduce the risk of rupturing during ladder distention. They are composed of four major integral membrane proteins called uroplakins (UP). The uroplakin family comprises UPIa, UPIb, UPII, and UPIII. Family members are conserved among several species, including human, mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, pig and sheep. UPIa and UPIb form t