Resistin (RETN)

Resistin is a cysteine-rich, secreted peptide hormone and cytokine encoded by the RETN gene in humans. It belongs to the resistin-like molecule (RELM) family and has a unique multimeric structure stabilized by disulfide bonds. Resistin is primarily expressed by immune and epithelial cells in humans and by adipocytes in rodents. It plays a key role in linking obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus by antagonizing insulin action. Resistin also acts as an important pro-inflammatory mediator, stimulating immune cell activation, migration, and cytokine production, mainly via the TLR4 and CAP1 receptors. Beyond its metabolic and inflammatory roles, resistin displays direct antimicrobial activity by damaging bacterial membranes, underscoring its function as a host defense peptide in innate immunity. Clinically, serum resistin levels are studied as biomarkers for metabolic disease and inflammation, but its complex regulation and pleiotropic actions present significant challenges for therapeutic intervention[1][3][5].

Other names

adipose tissue-specific secretory factorADSFC/EBP-epsilon-regulated myeloid-specific secreted cysteine-rich proteinXCP1FIZZ3RELMRSTNRETN1HXCP1RENTUNQ407/PRO1199found in inflammatory zone 3resistin delta2

Modulation of insulin resistance; Activation of immune signaling (via TLR4 and CAP1 receptors); Promotion of pro-inflammatory cytokine release; Direct bactericidal action via membrane disruption; Regulatory effects on lipid and glucose metabolism