Regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha (REG3A)

Regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha (REG3A) is a secreted, antimicrobial C-type lectin predominantly expressed in the pancreas and intestine, with established roles in antibacterial defense against Gram-positive bacteria and maintenance of epithelial homeostasis[1][3][4][5][6][9]. It is upregulated in response to infection, inflammation, and tissue injury, exerting direct bactericidal activity by binding peptidoglycan on bacterial surfaces and forming membrane-permeabilizing pores[4][6][9]. REG3A is also involved in tissue repair, modulation of inflammation, and pancreatic islet regeneration, partly via activation of the EXTL3 receptor[3][6]. Its dysregulation is associated with numerous diseases, including gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and metabolic disorders. REG3A levels have clinical utility as a biomarker in several inflammatory and neoplastic diseases[3][5][6]. There are currently no approved drugs specifically targeting REG3A, though its roles make it a candidate therapeutic and diagnostic target.

Other names

Regenerating family member 3 alphaREG3ARegenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha 16.5 kDa formRegenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha 15 kDa formHIPPAPPAP1REG-3-alphaHIP/PAPReg III-alphaREG-IIIREG3PBCGFHepatointestinal pancreatic proteinHuman proislet peptidePancreatitis-associated protein 1Regenerating islet-derived protein III-alphaINGAPPAP-HPAP homologous proteinHepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreasProliferation-inducing protein 34Proliferation-inducing protein 42Regenerating islet-derived 3 alpha

Direct binding and disruption of Gram-positive bacterial membranes via pore formation; Binding to cell surface receptor EXTL3 to induce tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory pathways; Modulation of cell signaling pathways related to proliferation, inflammation, and differentiation