Application of pancreatic regenerating protein in early warning and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

Pancreatic regenerating (REG) protein belongs to the calcium-dependent lectin superfamily, and is encoded by regenerating gene. As secreted growth factors with multiple functions, REG protein family plays a regulatory role in nutrient metabolism, anti-apoptosis, anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation and antibacterial. Since 1979, REG protein family has been found to be associated with various diseases, such as diabetes, inflammation and cancer. Several subtypes of REG proteins are involved in different pathogenesis of diabetes. The purpose of this study is to review the origin, structural characteristics, distribution patterns of REG protein family and its pathogenesis and therapeutic regulation in different types of diabetes, and to explore the potential application value of REG protein family in the early warning，diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of diabetes, with a view to its wider application in the fields of therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the future.