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- ISSN: 2210-3090
- E-ISSN: 2210-3104
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TWEAK as a Biomarker
- Source: Recent Patents on Biomarkers (Discontinued), Volume 1, Issue 3, Sep 2011, p. 213 - 221
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- 01 Sep 2011
Abstract
TWEAK is a cytokine that belongs to the TNF superfamily. TWEAK binds to the Fn14 receptor to activate alternative and classical NFκB pathways, MAPKs, TAK1 and PI3K/Akt intracellular signaling pathways. TWEAK regulates cell proliferation, cell death, cell differentiation, angiogenesis and inflammation. Functional studies targeting TWEAK and/or Fn14 implicate the system in acute and chronic tissue injury, tissue repair and cancer. Circulating soluble TWEAK has been postulated as a biomarker of endothelial injury, atherosclerosis and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. In addition, urinary TWEAK has been suggested to be a biomarker of lupus nephritis activity. A database search yielded one patent on TWEAK as a biomarker of subclinical cardiovascular injury. Further research is needed to validate the relevance of TWEAK assessment as a decision-making clinical tool.
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