S-100 Proteins: Basics and Applications as Biomarkers in Animals with Special Focus on Calgranulins (S100A8, A9, and A12)

Simple Summary S100 proteins are a group of calcium-binding proteins which have a similar molecular mass and share similarities in their amino acid sequence. They are expressed in many tissues, and to date 25 different types of S100 proteins have been identified. They have a wide range of biological functions at both intracellular and extracellular levels. This review aims to provide updated information about S100 proteins and their use as biomarkers in veterinary science, with special emphasis on the family of calgranulins, which comprise a group of S100 proteins including S100A8 (calgranulin A), S100A9 (calgranulin B), and S100A12 (calgranulin C). The proteins SA100A8 and S100A9 can be linked, forming a heterodimer which is known as calprotectin. This review will help to improve basic knowledge of the S100 proteins as well their potential use as biomarkers in the veterinary field. S100 proteins are a group of calcium-binding proteins which received this name because of their solubility in a 100% saturated solution of ammonium sulphate. They have a similar molecular mass of 10-12 KDa and share 25-65% similarity in their amino acid sequence. They are expressed in many tissues, and to date 25 different types of S100 proteins have been identified. This review aims to provide updated information about S100 proteins and their use as biomarkers in veterinary science, with special emphasis on the family of calgranulins that includes S100A8 (calgranulin A; myeloid-related protein 8, MRP8), S100A9 (calgranulin B; MRP14), and S100A12 (calgranulin C). The proteins SA100A8 and S100A9 can be linked, forming a heterodimer which is known as calprotectin. Calgranulins are related to the activation of inflammation and the immune system and increase in gastrointestinal diseases, inflammation and sepsis, immunomediated diseases, and obesity and endocrine disorders in different animal species. This review reflects the current knowledge about calgranulins in veterinary science, which should increase in the future to clarify their role in different diseases and potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as the practical use of their measurement in non-invasive samples such as saliva or feces.

Automated summary

S100 proteins are a group of calcium-binding proteins with similar molecular mass and amino acid sequence, which have diverse biological functions. The calgranulins family, including S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12, have potential value as biomarkers in veterinary science. The heterodimer calprotectin can be formed by SA100A8 and SA100A9 proteins. This review will enhance understanding of S100 proteins and their potential use as biomarkers in the veterinary field.