Primary structure
The aa sequences of adropin are highly conserved among
mammals and identical in humans, chimpanzees,
macaques, rats, mice, and horses. Although the adropin
(enho) gene is conserved in vertebrates, including chickens,
alligators, stickleback, Amazon molly, platyfish, and
tilapia, the sequences between mammals and nonmammals
showed relatively low similarities. Additionally, two
cysteine (Cys) residues in mature adropin in mammals are
conserved, suggesting a disulfide bond between the two
Cys residues. However, the endogenous mature structure
of adropin remains unclear.
Properties
Human adropin: Mr 4499, pI 5.3. Moderately soluble
in water. Human adropin dissolved in water at 10
-3M
is stable for more than a year at -20°C.
Biological functions
Adropin is considered to be a fat-burning hormone with
multiple functions. Adropin contributes to body weight
regulation, glucose and lipid homeostasis, and cardiovascular
system functions.The treatment of adropin in
diet-induced obese (DIO) B6 mice improves glucose tolerance
in the skeletal muscle and the liver as well as wholebody
insulin sensitivity.On the other hand, adropin
induces lipoprotein lipase in tilapia hepatocytes.
Clinical implications
Adropin modulates the glucose and lipid metabolism
in obesity and type 2 diabetesmellitus.In addition, adropin
takes part in the cardiovascular system, cancer, reproduction,
and liver diseases.
Description
Adropin is a secretory hormone including 43 aa residues
derived from the energy homeostasis-associated gene (Enho).
Adropin is produced in the brain, liver, and other peripheral
tissues.
