Description
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; also called lipocalin 2, siderocalin and neutrophil lipocalin) is a member of the lipocalin family of proteins which bind and transport small lipophilic molecules. NGAL is released by activated neutrophils and occurs as 25-kDa glycosylated single protein chain monomers, which form dimers and small amounts of higher oligomers, as well as complexes with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9; gelatinase B). Low level expression of NGAL in a variety of epithelia may be increased in inflammation or cancers. Expression of NGAL in the kidney is dramatically increased by acute kidney injury