Illustration of a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) embedded in a cell membrane. This transmembrane protein belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is able to bind to multiple molecules. Binding results in a signal cascade that causes pro-inflammatory gene activation. The expression of RAGE is stimulated by cellular stresses, such as inflammation, and so this leads to a positive feedback cycle that results in chronic inflammation. RAGE is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancers.