HE4
HE4, encoded by the WFDC2 gene, is a small secreted member of the WAP four-disulfide core domain family. It is also known as WAP5, dJ461P17.6 and EDDM4, and is linked to lung development and to expression in some ovarian cancers. Browse Assay Genie's current range of HE4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
HE4 is a small secretory protein that belongs to the WFDC domain family. The WFDC domain, also called the WAP signature motif, contains eight cysteines that form four disulfide bonds at the core of the protein. In many family members this domain functions as a protease inhibitor. For HE4, the NCBI Gene summary notes that the secreted protein may be involved in sperm maturation.
UniProt annotation assigns HE4 a critical role in lung development. It is required for terminal differentiation of bronchiole club cells and for the development of airway barrier mechanisms. These include lamellar body formation in type II alveolar epithelial cells and cilia formation on ciliated epithelial cells after respiration begins at birth. HE4 is also required for the development of type I alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelium in the lungs, so it contributes to blood-air barrier exchange.
The WFDC2 gene is expressed in pulmonary epithelial cells and has also been found to be expressed in some ovarian cancers, which is why the HE4 protein is studied in both respiratory and gynaecological oncology research. HGNC places the gene in the WAP four-disulfide core domain containing group. Mouse and rat both carry a Wfdc2 ortholog, which allows comparative and developmental work in rodent models.
HE4 is required for club cell differentiation and for the formation of airway barrier structures in the lung at birth.
The protein supports lamellar body formation in type II cells and development of type I alveolar epithelial cells.
WFDC2 expression has been found in some ovarian cancers, making HE4 a protein of interest in tumour biology.
The secreted protein may be involved in sperm maturation, prompting investigation of its role in male reproductive tissues.
HE4 is a secreted WFDC domain protein. UniProt describes it as critical for lung development, including bronchiole club cell differentiation, lamellar body and cilia formation, and alveolar epithelial and vascular endothelial development. NCBI also notes it may be involved in sperm maturation.
HE4 is the product of the WFDC2 gene, officially named WAP four-disulfide core domain 2. Aliases include WAP5, dJ461P17.6 and EDDM4. The name refers to the WAP signature motif, which has eight cysteines forming four disulfide bonds.
WFDC2 expression has been reported in some ovarian cancers, as well as in pulmonary epithelial cells. Orthologs named Wfdc2 exist in mouse and rat. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other WFDC family members, protease inhibitors and ovarian cancer markers studied alongside HE4.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q14508; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.