This gene encodes a protein that is related to chondromodulin-I, which is a cartilage-specific glycoprotein that functions to stimulate chondrocyte growth and to inhibit tube formation of endothelial cells. This protein is also an angiogenesis inhibitor. Genetic variation in this gene is associated with a risk for type 2 diabetes, central obesity and serum levels of systemic immune mediators in a body size-dependent manner. This gene is also a candidate gene for age-related macular degenerati

This gene encodes a cysteine protease that has a strict specificity for hydrolysis of asparaginyl bonds. This enzyme may be involved in the processing of bacterial peptides and endogenous proteins for MHC class II presentation in the lysosomal/endosomal systems. Enzyme activation is triggered by acidic pH and appears to be autocatalytic. Protein expression occurs after monocytes differentiate into dendritic cells. A fully mature, active enzyme is produced following lipopolysaccharide expressi

The encoded protein is synthesized mainly in corticotroph cells of the anterior pituitary where four cleavage sites are used; adrenocorticotrophin, essential for normal steroidogenesis and the maintenance of normal adrenal weight, and lipotropin beta are the major end products. In other tissues, including the hypothalamus, placenta, and epithelium, all cleavage sites may be used, giving rise to peptides with roles in pain and energy homeostasis, melanocyte stimulation, and immune modulatio

The extensive family of COL gene products (collagens) is composed of several chain types, including fibril-forming interstitial collagens (types I, II, III and V) and basement membrane collagens (type IV), each type containing multiple isoforms. Collagens are fibrous, extracellular matrix proteins with high tensile strength and are the major components of connective tissue, such as tendons and cartilage. All collagens contain a triple helix domain and frequently show lateral self-associati

The protein encoded by this gene is a proton-linked monocarboxylate transporter that catalyzes the movement of many monocarboxylates, such as lactate and pyruvate, across the plasma membrane. Mutations in this gene are associated with erythrocyte lactate transporter defect. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) are two structurally related, potent neurotrophic factors that play key roles in the control of neuron survival and differentiation. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the GDNF receptor family. It is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-linked cell surface receptor for both GDNF and NTN, and mediates activation of the RET tyrosine kinase receptor. This gene is a candidate gene for Hirschsprung disease. Multip