Abstract

REGENERATING GENES AND THEIR POSSIBLE ROLES IN FUNCTIONS

Martin Omondi Alfred and Min Wang*

ABSTRACT

Reg family proteins were discovered in the search for factors involved in pancreatic islet cell regeneration. They constitute a family belonging to calcium dependent lectin (C-type lectin) gene super family. They represent a group of small secretory proteins, which can function as lectins, acute phase reactants, growth factors or anti-apoptotic factors for pancreatic β-cells, neural cells and epithelial cells in digestive system. They play a wide range of roles in human physiology and diseases as well as in other mammals. Special attentions have been paid to the regeneration of pancreatic β-cells and administration of Reg proteins and/or activation of the Reg ever since Regs were discovered genes to be used as potential therapeutic approaches for diabetes. Successively, the potential role of Reg family in tumors especially in digestive tract has drawn more attention. This review article therefore focuses on the members of Reg family, their role in diabetes, cancer, signaling and their possible functions and mechanisms.

Keywords: They constitute a family belonging to calcium dependent lectin (C-type lectin) gene super family.