Anti-Guanylin antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Guanylin sometimes referred to as guanylate cyclase activator is a peptide hormone with a molecular mass of approximately 3.8 kDa. It is primarily expressed in the intestinal epithelium but can also be found in other tissues such as the kidney and reproductive system. Guanylin operates mechanically by binding to and activating guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) on the cell surface which leads to increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) within the cells influencing fluid and electrolyte transport.

Biological function summary

Guanylin influences several physiological processes important for maintaining homeostasis in the gut. This peptide forms part of the guanylin family of peptides which also includes uroguanylin. It functions by modulating ion and water transport in the intestines playing a role in the regulation of fluid balance and intestinal pH. Through its action guanylin promotes the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate while inhibiting the absorption of sodium therefore facilitating bowel movement and fluid homeostasis.

Pathways

Guanylin is an important component in signaling through the cGMP pathway important for maintaining intestinal fluidity and pH balance. It plays a role in activating the guanylate cyclase C pathway leading to downstream signaling events involving protein kinase G (PKG) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channels regulating electrolyte transport. This pathway is important for maintaining gastrointestinal motility and the barrier function of the intestine.

Associated diseases and disorders

Reduced guanylin activity has been associated with conditions like colorectal cancer and cystic fibrosis. In colorectal cancer the loss of guanylin expression leads to disrupted cGMP signaling contributing to tumorigenesis. In cystic fibrosis although guanylin itself is not directly defective it interacts with CFTR which is dysfunctional in this disorder influencing fluid transport and contributing to characteristic symptoms. Understanding guanylin's role provides insights into therapeutic targets for these diseases.