Meteorin-like protein (METRNL)

Meteorin-like protein (METRNL) is a small secreted cytokine and hormone (~27 kDa in most references), also known as Meteorin-β, Subfatin, Cometin, or Interleukin-41, encoded by the METRNL gene located on human chromosome 17q25.3[1][2][3][5][7]. It is produced by barrier tissues (such as mucosa and skin), brown and white adipose tissue, and by activated macrophages particularly in response to exercise, cold exposure, or inflammation[2][3][8][9]. METRNL functions to modulate immune responses, exert anti-inflammatory effects, regulate energy expenditure, and promote the conversion ("browning") of white adipose tissue, largely through recruitment and activation of immune cells within fat depots. Its roles extend to glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular and bone health, and it has been implicated as a candidate biomarker for several metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Current research explores its therapeutic potential, but its exact pathophysiological significance in humans remains under active investigation due to inconsistent clinical findings and incomplete understanding of its molecular mechanisms[1][3][5].

Other names

Meteorin-βMeteorin betaSubfatinCometinInterleukin-41 (IL-41)Metrnl

Stimulates immune cell infiltration into adipose tissue, induces macrophage activation, promotes browning of white adipose tissue, stimulates eosinophil-dependent IL-4 expression, supports alternative activation of macrophages, modulates cytokine and chemokine production