Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) (LCN2)

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), also known as Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), is a 25-kDa secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the lipocalin superfamily of transporters (UniProt: P80188). It functions primarily in the innate immune system by sequestering iron-bound siderophores, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth through iron deprivation (PubMed: 12446905). Beyond its antimicrobial role, LCN2 is involved in diverse biological processes including iron trafficking, cell survival, apoptosis, and the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various tissues (PubMed: 22524424). In clinical medicine, LCN2 is a well-established and sensitive biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease, reflecting tubular damage (PubMed: 15836677). The LCN2 pathway is frequently dysregulated in several cancers, such as breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, where it promotes tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance (PubMed: 32824544). Therapeutic targeting of this pathway involves the use of monoclonal antibodies to neutralize circulating LCN2 or small molecules to block its interaction with receptors like SLC22A17 and LRP2 (PubMed: 15550247).

Other names

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalinNGALSiderocalin24p3MSFIp25

Neutralization of secreted Lipocalin-2 to prevent receptor binding and downstream signaling; inhibition of iron sequestration to disrupt bacterial growth or tumor cell metabolism (PubMed: 32824544).