Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) is a novel, 198 amino acid adipocytokine also referred to as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). It was initially found in activated neutrophils, however, many other cells, like kidney tubular cells, may produce NGAL in response to various insults. NGAL, first known as an antibacterial factor of natural immunity, and an acute-phase protein. acting as an intracellular iron carrier and protecting MMP9 from proteolytic degradation, NGAL has a clear pro-tumoral effect, as has already been observed in different tumors (e g. breast, stomach, esophagus, brain) in humans. Recent studies have revealed that NGAL plays an important role in the physiopathology of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) mediated by BCR-ABL.
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