Abstract: A novel alanine transaminase gene (ALT2) is isolated from human tissue. ALT2 specific polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies are described. ALT2 is expressed predominately in liver, kidney, brain, muscle, and adipose tissue. ALT2 can be used to diagnose injury and diseases involving tissues expressing ALT2.

Abstract: A novel alanine transaminase gene (ALT2) is isolated from human tissue. ALT2 specific polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies are described. ALT2 is expressed predominately in liver, kidney, brain, muscle, and adipose tissue. ALT2 can be used to diagnose injury and diseases involving tissues expressing ALT2.

Abstract: Isolated omentin polypeptides that selectively express in omental fat tissue and methods for the use of the polypeptides. The polypeptides can be used in a method for modifying insulin action and/or glucose metabolism in an animal. The polypeptides can be used to promote glucose uptake by animal adipocytes and other cells, tissues, and/or organs. The polypeptides can also used to provide a therapeutic treatment for diseases of or related to glucose metabolism and adipose tissues. The polypeptides are also incorporated into diagnostic tests and testing kits for diagnosing or detecting a disease or condition involving animal tissue that contains, uses, or expresses the polypeptide in an animal suspected of having the disease or condition.