Description
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), also known as LCN2, belongs to the calycin superfamily and Lipocalin family. LCN2 is an iron-trafficking protein involved in multiple processes such as apoptosis, innate immunity and renal development. The binding of LCN2 to bacterial siderophores is important in the innate immune response to bacterial infection. Also LCN2 functions as a growth factor. LCN2 is strongly upregulated during inflammation and is upregulated by interleukin 1 (but not TNF alpha) in humans