LRG1

Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the is_associated_with::gene LRG1.

Function
The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family of proteins, including LRG1, have been shown to be involved in is_associated_with::protein-protein interaction, is_associated_with::signal transduction, and is_associated_with::cell adhesion and development. LRG1 is expressed during is_associated_with::granulocyte differentiation.

LRG1 has been shown to be involved in promoting is_associated_with::neovascularization (new blood vessel growth) through causing a switch in transforming growth factor beta (is_associated_with::TGFbeta) signaling in endothelial cells. LRG1 binds to the accessory receptor is_associated_with::endoglin and promotes signaling via the is_associated_with::ALK1-is_associated_with::Smad1/5/8 pathway.

Application
Levels of the LRG protein are markedly elevated in acute is_associated_with::appendicitis and therefore could be used as a diagnostic aid.

LRG1 may be a potential therapeutifc target for the treatment of diseases where there is aberrant neovascularization.