NRG4 Proteins

Protein Information

Neuregulin 4 (NRG4) is a member of the Neuregulin family serving as a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, specifically interacting with ERBB4. This gene is primarily expressed in brown adipose tissue and liver, where it plays a pivotal role in metabolic regulation. NRG4 acts as a critical signaling molecule in adipose tissue, promoting systemic glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure while inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis, thereby contributing to protection against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Moreover, NRG4 expression is inversely correlated with adiposity and positively correlated with insulin sensitivity, suggesting its potential role in metabolic homeostasis. Studies reveal that NRG4's interaction with ERBB4 stimulates specific cellular pathways, which can impact hepatic gluconeogenesis, underscoring its importance in glucose metabolism. Additionally, NRG4 has been linked to breast cancer progression, where it contributes to tumor cell survival through signaling pathways involving receptor tyrosine kinases. Due to its significant involvement in metabolic pathways and cancer biology, NRG4 is considered a promising target for therapeutic intervention in metabolic disorders and certain cancers.

Synonyms

AI552600; heregulin 4; HRG4; neuregulin 4; Neuregulin-4; NRG4; NRG-4; pro-neuregulin-4, membrane-bound isoform; Pro-NRG4