What does RAGE mean in LABORATORY

Receptor for Advanced Glycation End (RAGE) is a transmembrane protein involved in signaling pathways associated with inflammation and tissue damage caused by oxidative stress. It functions as a receptor for pro-inflammatory molecules, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and S100 proteins. RAGE also plays an important role in many pathological conditions, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

RAGE activates several pro-inflammatory pathways by binding to AGEs, HMGB1 and S100 proteins. Thus it increases the production of inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These cytokines are responsible for triggering an immune response leading to acute inflammation.

Overexpression of RAGE has been linked to several chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. The higher expression of this receptor leads to an excess inflammatory response which can lead to tissue damage throughout the body.

Targeting RAGE has been proposed as a potential strategy for treating inflammatory diseases as it can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and protect tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Triticum aestivum extract and benfotiamine have been reported to target RAGE and control chronic inflammation in animal models of diabetes mellitus type 2 or Alzheimer's disease.

Yes, indeed recent findings suggest that increased expression of RAGE is associated with the initiation and progression of certain types of cancers, such as colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Moreover it has been shown that blocking the activity of this receptor could prevent tumor growth or even cause regression of some tumors or metastases in animal models experiments.

Diabetes stimulates the expression of AGEs which are known ligands for this receptor; hence this increases the activity of RAGE which promotes systemic inflammation leading to further tissue damage over time. A number of treatment strategies have been proposed which aim at targeting both diabetic patients’ glycemic control as well as inhibiting the activity/expression level of this receptor in order to lower inflammation levels.

The S100 family proteins bind directly to his receptor promoting various cellular responses such as cell proliferation/death or differentiation depending on each particular context they act within; additionally they can promote both innate immune responses upon binding via its lectin domain but also induce adaptive immunity.

HMGB1 molecules interact with this receptor through its extracellular domain; although different kinds molecular domains can varying interacting effects resulting from their association; depending on those particular effects either pro-inflammation or anti inflammations signals could be triggered causing diverse pathologies.