Lipocalin-2

The Lipocalin family comprises a diverse group of mostly secreted soluble proteins that bind hydrophobic ligands and act as transporters, carrying small molecules to specific cells. Lipocalins are related by possessing an 8-stranded beta-barrel structure. Lipocalin-1, also named tear lipocalin (TL), von Ebners gland protein (VEG) and tear pre-albumin, binds a large number of hydrophobic molecules and exhibits cysteine proteinase inhibitor and endonuclear activities. Lipocalin-2, also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is a component of granules in neutrophils from tissues that are normally exposed to microorganisms and is upregulated during inflammation. Lipocalin-2 can form homodimers and can heterodimerize with the neutrophil gelatinase MMP-9.