ELISA

Matrix metalloproteinase-12(MMP12), also known as MME or ME, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP12 gene. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.2. It is thought that the protein encoded by this gene is cleaved at both ends to yield the active enzyme, but this processing has not been fully described. The enzyme degrades soluble and insoluble elastin. It may play a role in aneurysm formation and studies in mice suggest a role in the development of emphysema. This gene may involved in tissue injury and remodeling.

The endothelins is a family of structurally and pharmacologically distinct peptides, which has been identified and sequenced in humans. Three isoforms of human endothelin have been identified: endothelin-1, -2, and -3. Endothelin-1 is a potent, 21-amino acid vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells. Endothelins are 21-amino acid vasoconstricting peptides produced primarily in the endothelium having a key role in vascular homeostasis. Endothelins are implicated in vascular diseases of several organ systems, including the heart, general circulation and brain. Endothelins are proteins that constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. They are normally kept in balance by other mechanisms, but when they are over-expressed, they contribute to high blood pressure(hypertension) and heart disease.

The endothelins is a family of structurally and pharmacologically distinct peptides, which has been identified and sequenced in humans. Three isoforms of human endothelin have been identified: endothelin-1, -2, and -3. Endothelin-1 is a potent, 21-amino acid vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells. Endothelins are 21-amino acid vasoconstricting peptides produced primarily in the endothelium having a key role in vascular homeostasis. Endothelins are implicated in vascular diseases of several organ systems, including the heart, general circulation and brain. Endothelins are proteins that constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. They are normally kept in balance by other mechanisms, but when they are over-expressed, they contribute to high blood pressure(hypertension) and heart disease.

Epidermal growth factor(EGF) is a growth factor that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation and differentiation by binding to its receptor EGFR. EGF locus is mapped to 4q21-4qter. Human EGF is a 6045-Da protein with 53 amino acid residues and three intramolecular disulfide bones. EGF results in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival while plays a physiological role in the maintenance of oro-esophageal and gastric tissue integrity.

TIMP-2 gen is encoded by 5 exons spanning 83 kb of genomic DNA. TIMP-2 is 83 kilobase pairs (kb) long with exon-intron splicing sites located in preserved positions among the three members of the TIMP family. The gene for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 is localized on human chromosome arm 17q25. TIMP-2 abrogates angiogenic factor-induced endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo independent of MMP inhibition. The standard product used in this kit is recombinant human TIMP-2 with the molecular mass of 22Kda and 194 amino acid.

Endothelial protein C receptor(EPCR) also known as CCCA or PROCR is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PROCR gene. PRPCR gene is mapped to 20q11.2 by radiation hybrid analysis and FISH. The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for activated protein C, a serine protease activated by and involved in the blood coagulation pathway. The encoded protein is an N-glycosylated type I membrane protein that enhances the activation of protein C. Mutations in this gene have been associated with venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction, as well as with late fetal loss during pregnancy.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, also called TSLP is a protein belonging to the cytokine family. This gene is mapped to 5q22.1. It encodes a hemopoietic cytokine proposed to signal through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor and the IL-7R alpha chain. It mainly impacts myeloid cells and induces the release of T cell-attracting chemokines from monocytes and enhances the maturation of CD11c(+) dendritic cells. The protein promotes T helper type 2(TH2) cell responses that are associated with immunity in various inflammatory diseases, including asthma, allergic inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The protein is therefore considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of such diseases.

Programmed cell death protein 1, also called PD-1 or PDCD1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PDCD1 gene. This gene encodes a cell surface membrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the PDCD1 gene is mapped to 2q37.3. This protein is expressed in pro-B-cells and is thought to play a role in their differentiation. In mice, expression of this gene is induced in the thymus when anti-CD3 antibodies are injected and large numbers of thymocytes undergo apoptosis. Mice deficient for this gene bred on a BALB/c background developed dilated cardiomyopathy and died from congestive heart failure. These studies suggest that this gene product may also be important in T cell function and contribute to the prevention of autoimmune diseases.

Angiopoietin-related protein 4(Angptl4) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ANGPTL4 gene. This gene is a member of the angiopoietin/angiopoietin-like gene family and encodes a glycosylated, secreted protein with a fibrinogen C-terminal domain. This gene is induced under hypoxic conditions in endothelial cells and is the target of peroxisome proliferation activators. By radiation hybrid analysis, Angptl4 gene is mapped to 19p13.3. ANGPTL4 contributed to tumor growth and protected cells from anoikis, a form of programmed cell death induced when contact-dependent cells detach from the surrounding tissue matrix.