SFRP4

Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the SFRP4 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
Secreted is_associated_with::frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is a member of the SFRP family that contains a is_associated_with::cysteine-rich domain homologous to the putative Wnt-binding site of Frizzled proteins. SFRPs act as soluble modulators of is_associated_with::Wnt signaling. The expression of SFRP4 in ventricular myocardium correlates with is_associated_with::apoptosis related gene expression.

SFRP4 is a hub gene in a is_associated_with::Type 2 Diabetes-associated gene coexpression module in human islets, and reduces glucose-induced insulin secretion through decreased is_associated_with::β-cell is_associated_with::exocytosis. Expression and release of SFRP4 from islets is enhanced by interleukin-1β. SFRP4 is elevated in serum several years before clinical diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. Individuals who have above-average levels of SFRP4 in the blood are five times more likely to develop diabetes in the next few years than those with below-average levels.