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= SERPIN A12 = SERPIN A12 (OL-64, Vaspin, Visceral adipose-specific serpin, Ser A12) is a protein found in animal cells. It is encoded by the SERPIN A12 gene and it is included inside the serine protease inhibitor (serpin family).

It was first discovered in 2005, SERPIN A12 was highly expressed in white adipose tissue of Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty Rats at the same time that obesity and insulin plasma levels reach a peak, when they are around 30 weeks old. Eventually, SERPIN A12 was found to be expressed in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese humans. This is why the protein is thought to be associated with obesity, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.[1]

Function
SERPIN A12 is a protease inhibitor with an approximate weight of 47 kDa[2] and is a member of the adipokine family, cytokines excreted by the adipose tissue. Members of this family regulate a number of cellular processes such as inflammation mediation and insulin resistance. Made up of 415 amino acids, its main function is modulating insulin inhibiting protease KLK7, mainly in adipose tissues.[2] Among other functions, Ser A12 has been atributed insulin-sensitizing actions.