Anti-C-Peptide antibody [HL1158]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

C-peptide also known as connecting peptide is a short polypeptide chain consisting of 31 amino acids with a molecular weight of about 3 kDa. It results from enzymatic cleavage during the conversion of proinsulin to insulin and is co-secreted equimolarly with insulin by beta cells of the pancreas. C-peptide does not undergo significant liver metabolism making its levels a meaningful indicator of endogenous insulin production. This peptide is important due to its ability to serve as a biomarker for beta cell function giving insights into the body's insulin production capacity. Commercially available assays for its measurement include C-peptide ELISA and C-peptide ELISA kit important in both clinical and research settings.

Biological function summary

C-peptide plays a role beyond being a mere byproduct of insulin synthesis. Experiments have shown it binds to cell membranes indicating it functions independently and is more than part of the insulin processing complex. Studies suggest C-peptide may have physiological effects such as improving blood flow and possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to bind likely involves specific interactions that suggest possible receptors a subject of ongoing research. Detection methods like peptide ELISA and peptide test kit further facilitate studying its biological activity and potential therapeutic implications.

Pathways

C-peptide is closely linked to the metabolic insulin signaling pathway. This pathway is integral in glucose homeostasis and involves proteins such as insulin receptor and glucose transporter. Although not directly involved in the receptor-mediated actions of insulin C-peptide's presence alongside insulin shortly after release places it within this critical pathway. Another related pathway includes peptide hormone responses where C-peptide might influence vasodilation or cellular signaling revealing potential avenues for regulating metabolic conditions.

Associated diseases and disorders

C-peptide is most notably associated with diabetes mellitus specifically type 1 and type 2. Its measurement helps to distinguish between the types of diabetes as it reflects the pancreas's ability to produce insulin. Lower levels often correlate with type 1 diabetes due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells whereas type 2 diabetes may still show normal C-peptide levels as the disease progresses. C-peptide also contributes to diabetic complications through associations with proteins involved in vascular function suggesting its possible role in conditions like diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy.