PAUF/ZG16B Proteins and Enzymes

PAUF (pancreatic adenocarcinoma upregulated factor), gene name ZG16B (zymogen granule protein 16B), is a 156 amino acid, approximately 20-25 kDa secreted protein that is a member of the jacalin-binding lectin family. PAUF expression is thought to be restricted to primates, but the related ZG16P, which shares approximately 25% amino acid sequence identity, is more widely expressed. Human PAUF is overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, binds Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, and inhibits CXCR4-dependent, TLR2-mediated NF-kB activation. It facilitates tumor growth, adhesiveness, and production of pro-tumorigenic cytokines.