SPI1–Lipocalin-2 axis (SPI1–LCN2 axis)

The **SPI1/LCN2 axis** is not a single molecule or discrete receptor, but refers to the functional and regulatory relationship between the transcription factor **SPI1** (also known as PU.1) and the secreted protein **Lipocalin-2 (LCN2)**. SPI1 regulates genes involved in immune cell development and activation, and it is thought to control the expression of LCN2 under certain pathological conditions. LCN2, also called neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is secreted by immune cells (notably neutrophils), and modulates inflammation, iron transport, chemokine/cytokine signaling, and neuronal responses after injury. The axis is implicated in conditions involving neuroinflammation, neuropathic pain, cancer, and infection. However, "SPI1/LCN2 axis" does not correspond to a single canonical drug target, but rather a regulatory pathway or molecular interaction whose individual members (SPI1 and LCN2) could be drug targets[1][2][4]. - **SPI1**: Transcription factor PU.1, important in hematopoietic cell development. - **LCN2**: Lipocalin-2, a secreted glycoprotein that modulates iron, inflammation, and neuron-glia interactions. **Is there something wrong with this target?** Yes. "SPI1/LCN2 axis" is not a single molecule, receptor, or canonical druggable target, but rather denotes a regulatory or signaling relationship. Structured information about "axes" should be decomposed into details about individual proteins (SPI1, LCN2) and their functional interactions. Neither "SPI1/LCN2 axis" nor "LCN2 axis" represent standard protein or receptor entries in major drug/target databases.

Other names

SPI1–LCN2 signalingSPI1–Lipocalin-2 pathwayLCN2 axisSPI1 axis

Not applicable as a distinct drug target; individual components are studied for their regulatory effects on inflammation, immune cell function, and neural activity