Details for: ITLN1

Gene ID: 55600

Gene Type:  Protein-coding  - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: ITLN1

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000179914

Description: intelectin 1

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • goblet cell CL0000160
    CSI 21.38
    rCSI 20.2%
    PRS 98.24
  • intestine goblet cell CL0019031
    CSI 18.97
    rCSI 16.84%
    PRS 98.14
  • colon goblet cell CL0009039
    CSI 13.4
    rCSI 31.85%
    PRS 98.88
  • small intestine goblet cell CL1000495
    CSI 10.75
    rCSI 23.55%
    PRS 98.89
  • paneth cell CL0000510
    CSI 9.66
    rCSI 14.26%
    PRS 99.37
  • cardiac muscle cell CL0000746
    CSI 6.07
    rCSI 8.7%
    PRS 95.91
  • adipocyte CL0000136
    CSI 4.69
    rCSI 6.02%
    PRS 96.49
  • Schwann cell CL0002573
    CSI 4.57
    rCSI 13%
    PRS 97.53
  • endocardial cell CL0002350
    CSI 4.46
    rCSI 21.34%
    PRS 97.69
  • fibroblast CL0000057
    CSI 3.72
    rCSI 10.69%
    PRS 94.31
  • transit amplifying cell of colon CL0009011
    CSI 3.59
    rCSI 4.21%
    PRS 99.13
  • mucus secreting cell CL0000319
    CSI 3.05
    rCSI 4.85%
    PRS 99.31
  • endothelial cell of lymphatic vessel CL0002138
    CSI 2.68
    rCSI 5.31%
    PRS 98.46
  • mesothelial cell CL0000077
    CSI 2.06
    rCSI 8.06%
    PRS 94.52
  • cardiac blood vessel endothelial cell CL0010006
    CSI 1.5
    rCSI 10.6%
    PRS 97.02
  • paneth cell of epithelium of small intestine CL1000343
    CSI 1.28
    rCSI 3.59%
    PRS 99.08

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

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  • Query Gene
  • Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
    • Very High
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Very Low
    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary Intelectin-1 ([ITLN1](/details-gene/55600)), also known as omentin, is a secreted, calcium-dependent lectin that plays a dual role in innate immunity and metabolic regulation. The expression pattern of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) is highly specific, with its most significant expression observed in secretory epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly [goblet cells](/details-cell/CL0000160) and [Paneth cells](/details-cell/CL0000510). This localization is consistent with its function as a pattern recognition receptor that binds to microbial glycans, such as galactofuranose, thereby contributing to the first line of defense at mucosal surfaces [Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m103162200). Additionally, [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) is expressed by [adipocytes](/details-cell/CL0000136) and functions as an adipokine, where it has been implicated in modulating insulin action and glucose metabolism [Link](https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00572.2004). Its involvement in both the [Innate immune system](/details-reactome/R-HSA-168249) and metabolic processes highlights it as a critical link between host defense and systemic homeostasis. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression landscape of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) underscores its specialized roles in secretion and defense. **Overall**, the gene shows exceptionally high significance in intestinal secretory lineages. It is the top marker for [goblet cell](/details-cell/CL0000160) (CSI: 21.38), including those specific to the [intestine](/details-cell/CL0019031), [colon](/details-cell/CL0009039), and [small intestine](/details-cell/CL1000495). Its high significance in [paneth cells](/details-cell/CL0000510) further solidifies its identity as a key product of the gut's innate immune arsenal, secreted into the lumen to interact with the microbiota. Beyond the intestine, [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) demonstrates notable expression in several other tissues, suggesting pleiotropic functions. Its significance in [adipocytes](/details-cell/CL0000136) is consistent with its role as the adipokine omentin, linking it to systemic metabolic control. Expression is also observed in [cardiac muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0000746), [Schwann cells](/details-cell/CL0002573), [fibroblasts](/details-cell/CL0000057), and various endothelial and mesothelial cell types. This broader pattern suggests that while its primary role may be in mucosal immunity, it may also participate in tissue maintenance, neural function, and vascular biology, likely acting as a secreted signaling molecule in these contexts. According to GO annotations, the protein product is found in the [extracellular space](/details-go/GO:0005615) and [extracellular exosomes](/details-go/GO:0070062), which supports its function as a secreted factor. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The molecular functions of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) are centered on its properties as a lectin. As a member of the X-lectin family, it relies on [calcium ion binding](/details-go/GO:0005509) for its structural integrity and function. Its primary activity is [oligosaccharide binding](/details-go/GO:0070492), with a specific affinity for galactofuranose-containing glycans present on microorganisms but absent in mammals [Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb.3053). This molecular recognition is the basis for its role in the [Innate immune system](/details-reactome/R-HSA-168249), where it contributes to [antimicrobial peptide](/details-reactome/R-HSA-6803157) defenses and the [response to nematode](/details-go/GO:0009624) infection. The protein is known to form disulfide-linked homotrimers ([GO:0070207](/details-go/GO:0070207)), a structure which may enhance its avidity for microbial surfaces [Link](https://doi.org/10.1093/glycob/cwm075). Beyond its immune function, [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) participates in cellular signaling and transport. Its annotation for [positive regulation of protein phosphorylation](/details-go/GO:0001934) and [positive regulation of d-glucose import](/details-go/GO:0046326) aligns with its role as the adipokine omentin, which has been shown to enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake [Link](https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00572.2004). Furthermore, it has been identified as a receptor for lactoferrin in intestinal cells, affecting its uptake and localization, which suggests a role in nutrient absorption or iron homeostasis [Link](https://doi.org/10.1093/jb/mvt073). These diverse functions highlight [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) as a multifunctional protein that bridges immunity, metabolism, and nutrient transport. ## Research Directions The dual role of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) in mucosal immunity and systemic metabolism presents several compelling avenues for future research. A key question is how these two functions are regulated and whether they are interconnected. For example, dysregulation of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) is linked to metabolic syndrome, and [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) could be a mechanistic link between these conditions. Based on its known functions, several testable hypotheses can be proposed: 1. Given its high expression in [goblet cells](/details-cell/CL0000160) and its ability to bind microbial glycans, the absence of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) in the gut compromises the integrity of the mucus barrier, leading to increased microbial translocation, low-grade inflammation, and an altered gut microbiome composition that favors pro-inflammatory species. 2. As the adipokine omentin, circulating levels of [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) are not only a biomarker but an active modulator of insulin sensitivity, and its reduced expression from visceral adipose tissue is a causal factor in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. To test the first hypothesis regarding its role in gut barrier function, a key experiment could be proposed. An *Itln1* knockout mouse model could be established and compared to wild-type littermates. Intestinal permeability could be assessed using an in vivo FITC-dextran assay. The composition of the gut microbiome would be profiled via 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal pellets, and the mucosal immune status could be characterized by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6) in colon tissue and quantifying immune cell infiltration via histology. A positive result, showing increased permeability and inflammation in knockout mice, would establish [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) as a critical guardian of intestinal homeostasis. From a therapeutic standpoint, [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) represents a promising candidate for **activation** or supplementation strategies. For metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, recombinant omentin-1 has shown pre-clinical promise in improving insulin sensitivity. For infectious or inflammatory bowel diseases, local delivery of recombinant [ITLN1](/details-gene/55600) could help restore the mucosal barrier, selectively bind and clear pathogens, and reduce inflammation. Its specificity for non-host glycans makes it an attractive antimicrobial agent with potentially low off-target effects compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Genular Protein ID: 2151465420

Symbol: ITLN1_HUMAN

Name: Intelectin-1

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Q8WWA0 Q5IWS4 Q5VYI4 Q6YDJ3 Q9NP67

Database IDs:

AGR 1 AlphaFoldDB 1 Antibodypedia 1 Bgee 1 BioGRID 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 BioMuta 1 CCDS 1 CTD 1 ChEBI 13 ChiTaRS 1 DIP 1 DMDM 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 EMBL 13 Ensembl 1 EvolutionaryTrace 1 GO 14 Gene3D 1 GeneCards 1 GeneTree 1 GeneWiki 1 GenomeRNAi 1 GlyCosmos 1 GlyGen 1 HGNC 1 HOGENOM 1 HPA 1 InParanoid 1 IntAct 1 InterPro 3 KEGG 1 MANE-Select 1 MIM 1 MassIVE 1 NCBI Taxonomy 1 NCBIfam 1 OMA 1 OpenTargets 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PDB 3 PDBsum 3 PRO 1 PROSITE 1 PathwayCommons 1 PaxDb 1 PeptideAtlas 1 PharmGKB 1 Pharos 1 PhosphoSitePlus 1 PhylomeDB 1 Proteomes 1 ProteomicsDB 1 RNAct 1 Reactome 1 RefSeq 1 SIGNOR 1 SMR 1 STRING 1 SUPFAM 1 SignaLink 1 TreeFam 1 UCSC 1 UniLectin 1 VEuPathDB 1 eggNOG 1 iPTMnet 1 jPOST 1 neXtProt 1

Citations:

PubMed ID: 11747454

Title: Molecular cloning and functional expression of a human intestinal lactoferrin receptor.

PubMed ID: 11747454

DOI: 10.1021/bi0155899

PubMed ID: 11181563

Title: Human homologs of the Xenopus oocyte cortical granule lectin XL35.

PubMed ID: 11181563

DOI: 10.1093/glycob/11.1.65

PubMed ID: 11313366

Title: Human intelectin is a novel soluble lectin that recognizes galactofuranose in carbohydrate chains of bacterial cell wall.

PubMed ID: 11313366

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m103162200

PubMed ID: 14720597

Title: The Xenopus laevis cortical granule lectin: cDNA cloning, developmental expression, and identification of the eglectin family of lectins.

PubMed ID: 14720597

DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(03)00269-1

PubMed ID: 16531507

Title: Identification of omentin as a novel depot-specific adipokine in human adipose tissue: possible role in modulating insulin action.

PubMed ID: 16531507

DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00572.2004

PubMed ID: 12975309

Title: The secreted protein discovery initiative (SPDI), a large-scale effort to identify novel human secreted and transmembrane proteins: a bioinformatics assessment.

PubMed ID: 12975309

DOI: 10.1101/gr.1293003

PubMed ID: 14702039

Title: Complete sequencing and characterization of 21,243 full-length human cDNAs.

PubMed ID: 14702039

DOI: 10.1038/ng1285

PubMed ID: 16710414

Title: The DNA sequence and biological annotation of human chromosome 1.

PubMed ID: 16710414

DOI: 10.1038/nature04727

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

PubMed ID: 17621593

Title: Differential structure and activity between human and mouse intelectin-1: human intelectin-1 is a disulfide-linked trimer, whereas mouse homologue is a monomer.

PubMed ID: 17621593

DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwm075

PubMed ID: 23921499

Title: A lactoferrin-receptor, intelectin 1, affects uptake, sub-cellular localization and release of immunochemically detectable lactoferrin by intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells.

PubMed ID: 23921499

DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvt073

PubMed ID: 26148048

Title: Recognition of microbial glycans by human intelectin-1.

PubMed ID: 26148048

DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3053

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 313
  • Mass: 34962
  • Checksum: 56219FE937FC802E
  • Sequence:
    • MNQLSFLLFL IATTRGWSTD EANTYFKEWT CSSSPSLPRS CKEIKDECPS AFDGLYFLRT 
ENGVIYQTFC DMTSGGGGWT LVASVHENDM RGKCTVGDRW SSQQGSKAVY PEGDGNWANY 
NTFGSAEAAT SDDYKNPGYY DIQAKDLGIW HVPNKSPMQH WRNSSLLRYR TDTGFLQTLG 
HNLFGIYQKY PVKYGEGKCW TDNGPVIPVV YDFGDAQKTA SYYSPYGQRE FTAGFVQFRV 
FNNERAANAL CAGMRVTGCN TEHHCIGGGG YFPEASPQQC GDFSGFDWSG YGTHVGYSSS 
REITEAAVLL FYR