INSL3
INSL3 (insulin like 3) is a secreted peptide hormone of the insulin family, also known as relaxin-like factor (RLF) or RLNL. It is mainly produced in gonadal tissues and is linked to testicular function and foetal testicular descent. Browse Assay Genie's current range of INSL3 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
INSL3 appears to play a role in testicular function. It may act as a trophic hormone, with a role in testicular descent during foetal life, and it is a ligand for the LGR8 receptor. NCBI Gene summarises the protein as a hormone that may regulate the growth and differentiation of the gubernaculum, and so mediate intra-abdominal testicular descent.
The INSL3 gene encodes a member of the insulin-like hormone superfamily, and the protein belongs to the insulin family. HGNC places it in the relaxin family within the receptor ligands gene group. The encoded protein is secreted and is mainly produced in gonadal tissues. Alternate splicing of the gene results in multiple transcript variants. Mouse and rat both have an Insl3 ortholog, which makes rodent models relevant for studying its biology.
The protein was formerly called relaxin-like factor, and the HGNC previous name was insulin-like 3 (Leydig cell). Other aliases include RLF, RLNL, MGC119818 and MGC119819. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggest that the gene may be involved in development of the urogenital tract and in female fertility. Mutations in the INSL3 gene may lead to cryptorchidism, so the protein is of interest in reproductive and developmental research.
INSL3 may act as a trophic hormone in foetal life, and it may mediate intra-abdominal testicular descent through the gubernaculum.
Mutations in the INSL3 gene may lead to cryptorchidism, which makes it a candidate for studies of this developmental condition.
INSL3 is mainly produced in gonadal tissues and appears to play a role in testicular function.
INSL3 is a ligand for the LGR8 receptor, so it is useful for studying relaxin family ligand-receptor pairs.
INSL3 appears to play a role in testicular function. It may be a trophic hormone that supports testicular descent during foetal life, and it acts as a ligand for the LGR8 receptor. NCBI Gene also notes a possible role in regulating gubernaculum growth and differentiation.
INSL3 is also called relaxin-like factor (RLF) and RLNL. Earlier names include insulin-like 3 (Leydig cell), and MGC119818 and MGC119819 are listed as previous symbols. The gene has multiple transcript variants produced by alternate splicing.
Mouse and rat both carry an Insl3 ortholog, and mouse studies suggest roles in urogenital tract development and female fertility. In humans, mutations in the INSL3 gene may lead to cryptorchidism. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other insulin and relaxin family members with research reagents at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P51460; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.