New insights into thiol-mediated regulation of adiponectin secretion

Abstract

Adiponectin is a protein secreted into the circulation exclusively by adipocytes. It acts as an anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic adipokine. Its plasma level is lowered in conditions of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Within adipocytes, it is retained in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum by binding to the thiol protein ERp44 and released by another thiol protein, Ero1-Lα. Nuclear receptor PPARγ ligand agonists appear to regulate its retention-release mechanism. © 2008 International Life Sciences Institute.