Lacritin is a 12.3 kDa glycoprotein encoded in humans by the LACRT gene. Lacritin is a secreted protein found in tears and saliva. Lacritin also promotes tear secretion and proliferation of some epithelial cells.  Lacritin is thus a prosecretory mitogen.

The protein encoded by this gene is highly expressed in the lacrimal glands and localized primarily to secretory granules and secretory fluid. It augments lacrimal acinar cell secretion, promotes ductal cell proliferation, and stimulates signaling through tyrosine phosphorylation and release of calcium. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Modulates secretion by lacrimal acinar cells.