From infancy to aging: Biological and behavioral modifiers of Fetuin-A

Katie N Robinson; Margarita Teran-Garcia

doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2015.12.016

From infancy to aging: Biological and behavioral modifiers of Fetuin-A

Biochimie. 2016 May:124:141-149. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.12.016. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Authors

Katie N Robinson¹, Margarita Teran-Garcia²

Affiliations

¹ Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bevier Hall, MC-182, 905 S Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bevier Hall, MC-182, 905 S Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
² Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bevier Hall, MC-182, 905 S Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bevier Hall, MC-182, 905 S Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bevier Hall, MC-182, 905 S Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. Electronic address: teranmd@illinois.edu.

PMID: 26740309
DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.12.016

Abstract

Fetuin-A is a multifunctional protein which inhibits ectopic calcification and insulin receptor phosphorylation. It may also promote insulin resistance by activation of toll-like receptor 4 pro-inflammatory cascade. Increased levels of Fetuin-A have been associated with obesity and related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, therefore, it has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for intervention. However, in addition to its role in disease pathophysiology, Fetuin-A is also important for growth and development. Thus, before evaluating Fetuin-A as a biomarker or pharmacological target, an understanding of Fetuin-A variability throughout the life cycle is essential. This manuscript reviews the current body of knowledge surrounding Fetuin-A throughout the life cycle and discuss challenges to studying Fetuin-A.

Keywords: AHSG; Alpha2-Heremans Schmid glycoprotein; Fetuin-A.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Aging / blood*
Biomarkers / blood
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
Humans
Obesity / blood*
Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism
alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein / metabolism*

Substances

Biomarkers
TLR4 protein, human
Toll-Like Receptor 4
alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein