Apelin
Apelin (APLN, also known as XNPEP2) is a secreted peptide that acts as the endogenous ligand for the G-protein coupled apelin receptor (APLNR). It was previously named AGTRL1 ligand and belongs to the neuropeptide gene group. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Apelin research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Apelin is the endogenous ligand for the apelin receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor. The APLN gene encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed into biologically active C-terminal peptide fragments. These fragments activate different tissue-specific signalling pathways through the receptor, and in this way regulate diverse biological functions including fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular function and insulin secretion.
The apelin protein is secreted and found in the extracellular space. It is a member of the apelin family and is classified by HGNC within the neuropeptides gene group. The human gene is APLN, with the mouse and rat orthologues both named Apln. Researchers studying the peptide will encounter the alias XNPEP2 as well as the earlier name AGTRL1 ligand, which reflects the former name of its receptor.
Apelin also has a role in infection biology. The apelin receptor can serve as an alternative coreceptor with CD4 for HIV-1 entry, and apelin, as its ligand, inhibits HIV-1 entry in cells that coexpress CD4 and the receptor. The apelin-36 fragment shows greater inhibitory activity against HIV infection than other synthetic apelin derivatives. This makes the apelin-APLNR axis relevant to work on peptide processing, receptor signalling and viral entry.
Apelin peptide fragments activate tissue-specific signalling that regulates cardiovascular function, making the apelin axis a focus for studies of cardiovascular physiology.
Apelin signalling through its receptor contributes to the regulation of fluid homeostasis, a function described in the NCBI Gene summary.
Apelin-derived peptides regulate insulin secretion, so the protein is relevant to investigations of metabolic signalling.
Apelin inhibits HIV-1 entry in cells coexpressing CD4 and APLNR, with apelin-36 showing greater activity than other synthetic derivatives.
Apelin is the endogenous ligand for the G-protein coupled apelin receptor. Its processed C-terminal peptide fragments activate tissue-specific signalling pathways that regulate fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular function and insulin secretion. It also inhibits HIV-1 entry in cells expressing CD4 and the apelin receptor.
The gene symbol is APLN, and the alias XNPEP2 is also used. HGNC lists the previous name AGTRL1 ligand, after the earlier name of the apelin receptor. The gene encodes a preproprotein that is processed into several active C-terminal peptide fragments, including apelin-36.
Orthologues of the human APLN gene exist in mouse and rat, where the gene is also named Apln. Researchers working with these species should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before use.
Apelin receptor partners, neuropeptides and related signalling targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9ULZ1; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.