Receptor for retinol uptake STRA6; Functions as retinol transporter. Accepts all-trans retinol from the extracellular retinol-binding protein RBP4, facilitates retinol transport across the cell membrane, and then transfers retinol to the cytoplasmic retinol-binding protein RBP1. Retinol uptake is enhanced by LRAT, an enzyme that converts retinol to all-trans retinyl esters, the storage forms of vitamin A. Contributes to the activation of a signaling cascade that depends on retinol transport and LRAT-dependent generation of retinol metabolites that then trigger activation of JAK2 and it [...]

Retinol-binding protein 1; Cytoplasmic retinol-binding protein. Accepts retinol from the transport protein STRA6, and thereby contributes to retinol uptake, storage and retinoid homeostasis. Belongs to the calycin superfamily. Fatty-acid binding protein (FABP) family.

Truncated apolipoprotein A-I; Participates in the reverse transport of cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion by promoting cholesterol efflux from tissues and by acting as a cofactor for the lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). As part of the SPAP complex, activates spermatozoa motility.

Adiponectin; Important adipokine involved in the control of fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity, with direct anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Stimulates AMPK phosphorylation and activation in the liver and the skeletal muscle, enhancing glucose utilization and fatty-acid combustion. Antagonizes TNF-alpha by negatively regulating its expression in various tissues such as liver and macrophages, and also by counteracting its effects. Inhibits endothelial NF-kappa-B signaling through a cAMP-dependent pathway. May play a role in cell growth, angiogenesis [...]

C-reactive protein(1-205); Displays several functions associated with host defense: it promotes agglutination, bacterial capsular swelling, phagocytosis and complement fixation through its calcium-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. Can interact with DNA and histones and may scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells.

Serum albumin; Serum albumin, the main protein of plasma, has a good binding capacity for water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs (Probable). Its main function is the regulation of the colloidal osmotic pressure of blood (Probable). Major zinc transporter in plasma, typically binds about 80% of all plasma zinc. Major calcium and magnesium transporter in plasma, binds approximately 45% of circulating calcium and magnesium in plasma (By similarity). Potentially has more than two calcium-binding sites and might additionally bind calcium in a non-specific man [...]

Serum amyloid P-component(1-203); Can interact with DNA and histones and may scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells. May also function as a calcium-dependent lectin; Belongs to the pentraxin family.

Resistin; Hormone that seems to suppress insulin ability to stimulate glucose uptake into adipose cells (By similarity). Potentially links obesity to diabetes (By similarity). Promotes chemotaxis in myeloid cells.

Beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase; Symmetrically cleaves beta-carotene into two molecules of retinal using a dioxygenase mechanism; Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.