Recombinant Human FAM19A3 protein

FAM19A3 (Family with sequence similarity 19 member A3) is a secreted protein belonging to the FAM19A family, a group of poorly characterized proteins sharing conserved structural features, including an N-terminal signal peptide and multiple cysteine-rich domains. These proteins are hypothesized to function as chemokine-like factors, potentially regulating immune responses, cellular communication, or tissue homeostasis through autocrine/paracrine signaling. FAM19A3 is encoded by the FAM19A3 gene, located on human chromosome 9q32. and is expressed in various tissues, with higher levels observed in the brain, reproductive organs, and immune-related cells.

While its precise biological role remains unclear, emerging studies suggest FAM19A3 may participate in disease-related pathways. It has been implicated in cancer progression, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, hypermethylation of the FAM19A3 promoter has been identified as a potential biomarker for early-stage colorectal cancer. In the central nervous system, FAM19A3 is upregulated in reactive astrocytes under pathological conditions, hinting at a role in glial cell activation or neuroprotection.

Recombinant FAM19A3 protein is typically produced using mammalian expression systems (e.g., HEK293 or CHO cells) to ensure proper post-translational modifications, though bacterial systems are occasionally employed for structural studies. The purified protein enables functional investigations, including receptor binding assays, signaling pathway analysis, and in vitro cell migration studies. Current research challenges include identifying its cognate receptor(s), mapping tissue-specific functions, and clarifying its dual roles in physiological maintenance and disease contexts. As an understudied protein, FAM19A3 represents a frontier for discovering novel therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers, particularly in oncology and neurology.