Adiponectinlike

Adiponectinlike, or adiponectin-like, is a term used in molecular biology to describe proteins that are structurally and functionally related to adiponectin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue involved in metabolic regulation. In practice, the term is often used to refer to members of the C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) family, which share a C1q-like globular domain and a collagen-like stalk with adiponectin. These proteins are secreted, form multimeric assemblies, and are expressed in adipose and other tissues.

Structure and classification: CTRP family comprises several paralogs (CTRP1–CTRP15 in humans). They typically have an N-terminal signal peptide, a short collagen-like domain, and a C-terminal complement C1q domain. They assemble into trimers and higher-order complexes that influence stability and receptor engagement.

Receptors and signaling: adiponectin signals primarily through AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, activating AMPK and PPARα pathways; CTRPs may share receptor usage or activate related pathways. Some CTRPs can act through T-cadherin, while receptor interactions for many adiponectin-like proteins are still being studied.

Biological roles and clinical relevance: adiponectin and adiponectin-like proteins generally promote glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved insulin sensitivity. Low adiponectin is linked to obesity and diabetes. Adiponectin-like proteins have been proposed as modulators of metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular function; however, specific roles are protein-specific and context-dependent.

As a term, "adiponectinlike" is not a single canonical protein but a descriptive label for adiponectin-related molecules used in some literature.

See also: Adiponectin; AdipoR1; AdipoR2; CTRP family.