Leukocyte Cell Derived Chemotaxin 1 (LECT1) ELISA Kit for Hamster

This gene encodes a glycosylated transmembrane protein that is cleaved to form a mature, secreted protein. The N-terminus of the precursor protein shares characteristics with other surfactant proteins and is sometimes called chondrosurfactant protein although no biological activity has yet been defined for it. The C-terminus of the precursor protein contains a 25 kDa mature protein called leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-1 or chondromodulin-1. The mature protein promotes chondrocyte growth and inhibits angiogenesis. This gene is expressed in the avascular zone of prehypertrophic cartilage and its expression decreases during chondrocyte hypertrophy and vascular invasion. The mature protein likely plays a role in endochondral bone development by permitting cartilaginous anlagen to be vascularized and replaced by bone. It may be involved also in the broad control of tissue vascularization during development. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

LECT1: Bifunctional growth regulator that stimulates the growth of cultured chondrocytes in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) but inhibits the growth of cultured vascular endothelial cells. May contribute to the rapid growth of cartilage and vascular invasion prior to the replacement of cartilage by bone during endochondral bone development. Inhibits in vitro tube formation and mobilization of endothelial cells. Plays a role as antiangiogenic factor in cardiac valves to suppress neovascularization. Belongs to the chondromodulin-1 family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Cell development/differentiation; Membrane protein, integral

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 13q14.3

Cellular Component: proteinaceous extracellular matrix; integral to membrane; endomembrane system

Biological Process: proteoglycan metabolic process; negative regulation of angiogenesis; negative regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathway; cartilage development; negative regulation of endothelial cell proliferation; endothelial cell morphogenesis; skeletal development