FAM3A: Proteins and Enzymes

Members of the FAM3 family were identified based on structural, but not sequence, homology to short chain cytokines including IL-2, IL-4 and GM-CSF. FAM3 proteins are four helix bundle cytokines with four conserved cysteines in all members (FAM3A-D). FAM3B (also known as PANDER, for pancreatic derived factor) is highly expressed in alpha and beta cells of the pancreas and is being investigated as a potential contributor to beta cell death and development of type I diabetes.