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Obesity, a common nutritional disorder, is associated with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer and many other health related problems. Regulation of body weight depends upon the calorie intake and expenditure. It is a very complex and highly regulated process. It involves multiples neural circuits with specific neuropeptides, neurotransmitter transporters and receptors and influenced by peripheral signals. Resistance to insulin characterizes type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. There is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and obesity, as most patients tend to be obese. Adipose tissue is the major organ involved in energy storage and mobilization. Adipocyte produces several key regulatory proteins such as leptin, adipsin, Acrp30/AdipoQ, TNF-alpha, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aFABP) and Pref-1 (an inhibitor or adipocyte differentiation) that are involved in obesity. Thiozolidinediones (TZDs), a new class of anti-diabetic, enhances target-tissue sensitivity to insulin. A screen of genes down regulated by TZD in adipocyte led to the discovery of a new protein hormone called resistin (for resistance to insulin). Resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, is present at elevated levels in the blood of obese animals, and is down regulated by fasting and anti-diabetic drugs. Antibody to resistin stimulated glucose uptake and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Some other protein related to resistin has been called resistin-related molecules (RELM-alpha and beta). Resistin family of proteins was also identified as proteins (FIZZ1-3, for Found in Inflammatory zone) involved in allegory and inflammation.

Resistin is also described as serine/cysteine-rich Adipocyte-Specific Secretory Factor (ADSF or FIZZ3). Resistin (pre peptide length: human 108 aa; mouse/rat 114 aa; mol wt ~12.5 kDa) is characterized by the presence of a hydrophobic signal peptide that is cleaved before its secretion. Resistin proteins show ~55% homology in human and mouse. It is 45-55% related to

FIZZ1 (RELM-alpha) and FIZZ2 (RELM-beta). Resistin family of proteins show 10 Cys with the consensus sequence at the C-terminus CX11CX8CX4CX3CX10CX7CX8CX9CC. Resistin is specifically expressed in white adipose tissues including inguinal and epididymal fats and also in brown adipose tissue.

RELM-alpha/FIZZ1/PMNG1 (Parasite-induced Macrophage Novel Gene 1 (prepeptides: mouse/rat 111 aa; ~77% identity) is 63% related to resistin at the C-terminus (38 aa). The N-terminus of RELM-alpha is less conserved at the N-terminus. RELM-alpha mRNA was most abundant in white adipose tissue. It is also expressed in mammary tissue with significant fat pads. Unlike resistin, RELM-alpha is not expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocyte or in preadipocytes. It is also found in heart, lung and tongue, where resistin is absent. In mice, RELM-alpha/FIZZ1 is found at low levels in a subset of bronchial epithelial cells and in non-neuronal cells adjacent neurovascular bundles in the peribronchial stroma, and in the wall of the large and small bowel. FIZZ1 expression is induced hypertrophic, hyperplastic bronchial epithelium.

RELM-beta/FIZZ2 (prepeptides: mouse 105 aa; human 11 aa ~45-65% identity with FIZZ1 and 2) is highly related to resistin at the C-terminus region. Its expression is most abundant in colon (proximal and distal colon) but not in white adipose tissue. In mouse, RELM-beta is also detected at low levels in cecum and ileum. In min mouse (mouse model for human familial adenomatosus polyposis), RELM-beta expression was markedly increased in tumors immediately adjacent to normal tissue.

ADI has made antibodies to resistin, RELM-alpha, and RELM-beta using antigenic peptide sequences unique to each proteins. Control imunogenic/blocking peptides are also available to study the specificity of antibodies.
 

M= Mouse; R=Rat; H=Human; Rb=Rabbit; G=goat; B=Bovine, MO=Monkey; P=pig; CT= near C-terminus; NT=near N-terminus; Internal=Middle of protein. EC=extracellular; CP=cytoplasmic domains *

** Expected antibody crossreactivity information is mostly based upon high (>70%) sequence conservation of antigenic/control peptides in various species. When antibody crossreactivity has actually been experimentally confirmed in various species, it will be mentioned in the appropriate data sheets.

"Neat Antisera or antisera" are the unpurified antiserum and it is suitable for ELISA and Western.
"Affinity pure" IgG may be more suitable for immunohistochemical (IHC) applications and to reduce background in most immunological applications including ELISA and Western.
"Control peptides" can not be used for Western as they are very short peptides. They are intended for ELISA or antibody blocking studies to establish antibody specificity.
Western blot +ve protein controls, where available, are semi-pure, pure or recombinant proteins that are formulated in SDS-PAGE sample buffer. They are recommended to be used for Western (load 10 ul/lane) for visulaization with antibodies

© 2005 GENTAUR bvba
 

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