Uteroglobin(UG, SCGB1A1) is the founding member of the secretoglobin family of small,secreted, disulfide-bridged dimeric proteins found only in mammals. This protein is mainly expressed in lung, with anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties. CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins(C/EBPs) are the major transcription factors for the regulation of SCGB1A1 gene expression, whereas FOXA1 had a minimum effect on the transcription. Uteroglobin is a multifunctional protein with anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties. Uteroglobin inhibits soluble phospholipase A(2) activity and binds and perhaps sequesters hydrophobic ligands such as progesterone, retinols, polychlorinated biphenyls, phospholipids, and prostaglandins. In addition to its anti-inflammatory activities, Uteroglobin manifests antichemotactic, antiallergic, antitumorigenic, and embryonic growth-stimulatory activities. Uteroglobin is a potential drug target. The mechanism of Uteroglobin action is likely to be even more complex as it also functions via a putative receptor-mediated pathway.
