S100A12 (S100 calcium-binding protein A12, Calgranulin-C, CAGC, Neutrophil S100 protein, Calcium-binding protein in amniotic fluid 1, CAAF1, p6, Extracellular newly identified, RAGE-binding protein, EN-RAGE)

S100A12 (EN-RAGE, calgranulin) is a member of the S100 protein family, which, in humans, consists of twenty five EF-hand (alpha helix-loop-alpha helix), calcium-binding proteins, of which the vast majority is in homodimer, heterodimer or more complex forms. Mature S100A12 consists of 91 amino acids (Mw 10.4 kDa); it is predominantly expressed and secreted by neutrophil granulocytes and to a lower extent, it was found in monocytes. Hofmann et al. (1999) reported that RAGE is a central cell surface receptor for S100A12, which they referred to as EN-RAGE (Extracellular Newly identified RAGE-binding protein), and related members of the S100/calgranulin superfamily. Interaction of EN-RAGE (S100A12) with cellular RAGE on endothelium, mononuclear phagocytes, and lymphocytes triggered cellular activation, with generation of key proinflammatory mediators. In murine models, blockade of EN-RAGE/RAGE quenched delayed-type hypersensitivity and inflammatory colitis by arresting activation of central signaling pathways and expression of inflammatory gene mediators. With regard to its inflammatory properties, S100A12 was already described as a promising marker for many diseases in humans such as neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, cancerogenesis, osteoarthritis, familial mediterranean fever and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Plasma S100A12 level is associated with cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients. S100A12 and its receptor RAGE are found at high concentrations in pulmonary tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in acute lung injury. S100A12 expression reflects neutrophil activation during lung inflammation. Faecal S100A12 is a novel non-invasive marker distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, S100A12 reflects inflammatory activity of chronic IBD. As a marker of neutrophil activation, faecal S100A12 may significantly improve the arsenal of non-invasive biomarkers of intestinal inflammation.

• References to S100A12 (S100 calcium-binding protein A12, Calgranulin-C, CAGC, Neutrophil S100 protein, Calcium-binding protein in amniotic fluid 1, CAAF1, p6, Extracellular newly identified, RAGE-binding protein, EN-RAGE)