Aggrecan, N-Terminal Neoepitope FFGV (ACAN) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

This gene is a member of the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family. The encoded protein is an integral part of the extracellular matrix in cartilagenous tissue and it withstands compression in cartilage. Mutations in this gene may be involved in skeletal dysplasia and spinal degeneration. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants that encode different protein isoforms have been observed in this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: This proteoglycan is a major component of extracellular matrix of cartilagenous tissues. A major function of this protein is to resist compression in cartilage. It binds avidly to hyaluronic acid via an N-terminal globular region.

Subunit structure: Interacts with FBLN1

By similarity. Interacts with COMP. Ref.11

Subcellular location: Secreted › extracellular space › extracellular matrix

By similarity.

Tissue specificity: Restricted to cartilages. Ref.4

Developmental stage: Expression was detected in chondrocytes throughout the developing skeleton.

Domain: Two globular domains, G1 and G2, comprise the N-terminus of the proteoglycan, while another globular region, G3, makes up the C-terminus. G1 contains Link domains and thus consists of three disulfide-bonded loop structures designated as the A, B, B' motifs. G2 is similar to G1. The keratan sulfate (KS) and the chondroitin sulfate (CS) attachment domains lie between G2 and G3.

Post-translational modification: Contains mostly chondroitin sulfate, but also keratan sulfate chains, N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. The release of aggrecan fragments from articular cartilage into the synovial fluid at all stages of human osteoarthritis is the result of cleavage by aggrecanase.

Involvement in disease: Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia type Kimberley (SEDK) [MIM:608361]: Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of congenital chondrodysplasias that specifically affect epiphyses and vertebrae. The autosomal dominant SEDK is associated with premature degenerative arthropathy.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.9Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia aggrecan type (SEMD-ACAN) [MIM:612813]: A bone disease characterized by severe short stature, macrocephaly, severe midface hypoplasia, short neck, barrel chest and brachydactyly. The radiological findings comprise long bones with generalized irregular epiphyses with widened metaphyses, especially at the knees, platyspondyly, and multiple cervical-vertebral clefts.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry.Osteochondritis dissecans short stature and early-onset osteoarthritis (OD) [MIM:165800]: A type of osteochondritis defined as a separation of cartilage and subchondral bone from the surrounding tissue, primarily affecting the knee, ankle and elbow joints. It is clinically characterized by multiple osteochondritic lesions in knees and/or hips and/or elbows, disproportionate short stature and early-onset osteoarthritis.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.13

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family.Contains 1 C-type lectin domain.Contains 1 EGF-like domain.Contains 1 Ig-like V-type (immunoglobulin-like) domain.Contains 4 Link domains.Contains 1 Sushi (CCP/SCR) domain.