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Meteorin, glial cell differentiation regulator (METRN)
- Target
- METRN
- Molecular classification
- Secreted protein, Neurotrophic factor, Other (not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, ion channel, or transcription factor)
01
Overview
Meteorin, glial cell differentiation regulator (METRN), is a secreted protein highly expressed in neural progenitors and the astrocyte lineage. It promotes astrocyte formation and can trigger transformation of astrocytes into radial glia. METRN is essential for the proper organization of the developing central nervous system, supporting axon extension via neurotrophic and glial activation mechanisms. Beyond development, METRN influences various pathological contexts, including glioblastoma (where exosomal circ-METRN promotes tumor progression and radioresistance), colorectal cancer prognosis, and possibly pregnancy outcomes via effects on placental angiogenesis. METRN also demonstrates neurotrophic and analgesic properties, and is being developed for treatment of neuropathic pain. Meteorin is not a classical receptor or enzyme but acts as a neurotrophic secreted factor with regulatory effects on cell differentiation and function.
- Other names
- METRNC16orf23c380A1.2meteorinRJD6MGC2601METRN_HUMAN
02
Mechanism of action
Activation of Jak-STAT3 pathway (drives glial differentiation). Neurotrophic support via satellite glial cells (promotes neuronal outgrowth). Exosomal circular RNA (circ-METRN) modulates DNA repair and radioresistance in glioblastoma via miR‑4709‑3p/GRB14/PDGFRα pathway.
03
Biological functions
Regulation of glial cell differentiation (promotes formation of astrocytes from neural progenitors, can induce transformation of astrocytes to radial glia)Axonal network formation (promotes extension of neuronal axons by activating satellite glial cells)Angiogenesis (reported role in blood vessel formation)Analgesia (profound and long-lasting analgesic effects in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain)
04
Disease associations
Cancer (glioblastoma progression and radioresistance, colorectal cancer prognosis)Neurodegenerative disease (potential roles based on neurotrophic and analgesic effects)Inflammation (models of inflammatory pain)Pregnancy-related conditions (altered serum levels in preeclampsia)
05
Safety considerations
Tumor-promoting roles (oncogenic signaling in glioblastoma progression and possible resistance to therapy)No specific toxicities established; potential risks need evaluation if used therapeutically.
06
Interacting drugs
None established
1 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
circ-METRN in exosomes as biomarker for glioblastoma progression and radioresistanceSerum METRN as a biomarker for placental function and preeclampsiaMETRN expression as a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer
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