Energy homeostasis-associated protein (adropin) (ENHO)

Energy homeostasis-associated protein (adropin) is a highly conserved 76-amino acid secreted peptide encoded by the ENHO gene on chromosome 9p13.3[1][2][3]. Initially characterized as a hepatokine (liver-secreted hormone), adropin is now known to be expressed in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, intestine, endothelial cells, and more[2][5]. The ENHO gene produces a precursor protein, cleaved to yield active adropin—which is tasked with maintaining metabolic homeostasis, chiefly by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, influencing insulin resistance, vascular endothelial function, and participating in anti-inflammatory activities[2][3][4]. As a membrane-bound and secreted protein, adropin orchestrates complex signaling networks essential to metabolism and inflammation, and is linked to several diseases, most notably those related to metabolic and cardiovascular health, and emerging evidence connects it to neurological and immune function[2][3][5][4].

Other names

AdropinC9orf165UNQ470/PRO830UNQ470GAAI470Energy homeostasis-associated protein

Exogenous adropin modulates multiple metabolic and cell signaling pathways, including activation of GLUT4, phosphorylation of Akt, PPARγ activation, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, VEGFR2, suppression of inflammation, and nitric oxide (NO) production[2][3][4]. Effects may be mediated through the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR19, which is a proposed but not universally established receptor for adropin[2][5].