Anti-Resistin-like Molecule, alpha (RELMa)

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. Thiozolidinediones (TZDs), a new class of anti-diabetic drugs, 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 allergy and inflammation. 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. , Applications: , Suitable for use in ELISA, Western Blotting. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blotting 1-5ug/ml for affinity pure using Chemiluminescence technique. Resistin is ~9kD. ELISA: 1:10,000-1:100,000 using 50-100ng of control peptide/well. , Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Control Peptide: R1587-05 , Storage and Stability:, May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and add glycerol (40-50%). Freeze at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.