Abstract: Clusterin (CLU) is a multifunctional protein existing in distinct subcellular components. It was first reported in 1983 as an adhesion glycoprotein in goat semen by Blaschuk, then was found involved in numerous physiological processes and associated with many pathological states (neurodegenerative diseases, immune diseases, aging, cancer, etc.). CLU plays different roles, and even in opposing aspect, which confused researchers. To summarize results of different research groups, we will have a more clear understanding of this protein. Currently, it is considered that clusterin may encode different protein products (primarily secreted CLU (sCLU) and karyotype CLU (nCLU)), with different cellular localization and play different biological functions. In this paper, the structure, function, generating mechanism and the signal network of this protein will be reviewed.

Key words: clusterin, structure, function, secreted form, nuclei form, signal pathway