Chemokines
Product List
Exodus-2 Mouse, Sf9
Exodus-2 (CCL21) Mouse Recombinant, Sf9
Sf9, Baculovirus cells.
Fractalkine Human
Fractalkine Human Recombinant (CX3CL1)
Fractalkine Human, His
Fractalkine Human Recombinant (CX3CL1), His Tag
Fractalkine Human, Sf9
Fractalkine (CX3CL1) Human Recombinant, Sf9
Sf9, Baculovirus cells.
Fractalkine Mouse
Fractalkine Mouse Recombinant (CX3CL1)
Fractalkine Rat
Fractalkine Rat Recombinant (CX3CL1)
Introduction
Fractalkine, also known as chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1), is a unique chemokine that belongs to the CX3C chemokine family. It is the only member of this family and is characterized by a distinctive structure where three amino acids separate the first two cysteines at the N-terminus . Fractalkine is encoded by the CX3CL1 gene located on human chromosome 16 .
Key Biological Properties: Fractalkine is a large cytokine protein composed of 373 amino acids. It exists in two forms: a membrane-bound form and a soluble form produced by proteolytic cleavage .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Fractalkine is primarily expressed on activated endothelial cells, neurons, and microglia. It is widely distributed in the brain, particularly in neural cells, and is also found in other tissues such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys .
Primary Biological Functions: Fractalkine plays a crucial role in mediating cell adhesion and migration. The membrane-bound form facilitates the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, while the soluble form acts as a chemoattractant for T cells and monocytes .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Fractalkine is involved in the recruitment and retention of immune cells at sites of inflammation. It plays a significant role in immune surveillance and pathogen recognition by attracting immune cells to infected or damaged tissues .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Fractalkine interacts with its receptor, CX3CR1, which is expressed on various immune cells, including monocytes, natural killer cells, and T cells. This interaction mediates cell adhesion and migration .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to CX3CR1, fractalkine activates several downstream signaling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt pathway, which promotes cell survival and migration .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression of fractalkine is regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β can upregulate its expression .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Fractalkine undergoes post-translational modifications, including proteolytic cleavage by metalloproteases, which generate its soluble form .
Biomedical Research: Fractalkine is extensively studied for its role in various diseases, including neuroinflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: Fractalkine and its receptor CX3CR1 are potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Inhibitors of the fractalkine-CX3CR1 axis are being explored for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: Fractalkine plays a role in various stages of life, from development to aging. It is involved in neuronal development, immune cell trafficking, and tissue repair. Dysregulation of fractalkine signaling is associated with age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis .
Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a multifaceted chemokine with significant roles in immune responses, cell adhesion, and migration. Its unique properties and regulatory mechanisms make it a promising target for therapeutic interventions in various diseases.
