Clusterin's structure,function and roles in disease
Clusterin(CLU)is a glycoprotein that exists in various forms in cells.It can be sorted into nuclear,intracellular,and secretory types,the molecular weight of CLU varies widely depending on its degree of glycosylation and shearing.Although CLU is ubiquitous in mammalian tissues and body fluids,recent studies have reported that CLU is mainly expressed and secreted by liver tissue.The expression level,forms,and molecular weight of CLU are significantly different under physiological and pathological conditions,which contribute to the different functions.For example,CLU can participate in the development of neurological,fibrotic,and metabolic diseases by regulating endocytosis and apoptosis.In this paper,we will summarize the structural characteristics,basic functions,physiological and pathological functions,and potential regulatory mechanisms of CLU.