C1q/TNF-related protein 3 expression and effects on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.

Adipose tissue-derived adipokines influence a number of organs critical for energy homeostasis and metabolism. One of the most extensively studied adipokines is adiponectin, which exerts anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic functions on various cell types. CTRP3, a paralog of adiponectin, is a member of the C1q and tumor necrosis factor-related protein (CTRP) superfamily.