BRAK (CXCL14) Human Active Protein

This gene belongs to the cytokine gene family which encode secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The protein encoded by this gene is structurally related to the CXC (Cys-X-Cys) subfamily of cytokines. Members of this subfamily are characterized by two cysteines separated by a single amino acid. This cytokine displays chemotactic activity for monocytes but not for lymphocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils or macrophages. It has been implicated that this cytokine is involved in the homeostasis of monocyte-derived macrophages rather than in inflammation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, and weaker for dendritic cells. Not chemotactic for T-cells, B-cells, monocytes, natural killer cells or granulocytes. Does not inhibit proliferation of myeloid progenitors in colony formation assays. Ref.2 Ref.8

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Tissue specificity: Expressed in heart, brain, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. Highly expressed in normal tissue without inflammatory stimuli and infrequently expressed in cancer cell lines. Weakly expressed in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Not detected in lung or unstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Ref.1 Ref.2 Ref.8

Induction: Up-regulated in peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Ref.1

Domain: The destruction box (D-box) acts as a recognition signal for degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Ref.9

Post-translational modification: Ubiquitinated, followed by degradation by the proteasome. Ref.9

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the intercrine alpha (chemokine CxC) family.

Caution: It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-13 is the initiator.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAD38944.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation.