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Clara cell proteins
1Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15240, USA. gurmukh@pol.net
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Clara cells secrete Clara cell 10-kDa protein/uteroglobin, which shows anti-inflammatory properties in lab tests. Its exact function in the lungs is still unknown.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary biology
- Cellular and molecular biology
Background:
- Clara cells are specialized secretory cells in the airways.
- They produce various proteins, notably Clara cell 10-kDa protein/uteroglobin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the structure and in vitro function of Clara cell 10-kDa protein/uteroglobin.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein structure.
- In vitro testing for functional properties.
Main Results:
- Clara cell 10-kDa protein/uteroglobin is a homodimer of polypeptides.
- In vitro studies indicate this protein suppresses inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Clara cell 10-kDa protein/uteroglobin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.
- The precise physiological role of this protein in the pulmonary system requires further investigation.