Versican Core Protein (VCAN), Partial (VCAN) Human Recombinant Protein

This gene is a member of the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family. The protein encoded is a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and is a major component of the extracellular matrix. This protein is involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and plays a central role in tissue morphogenesis and maintenance. Mutations in this gene are the cause of Wagner syndrome type 1. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2009]

CSPG2: May play a role in intercellular signaling and in connecting cells with the extracellular matrix. May take part in the regulation of cell motility, growth and differentiation. Binds hyaluronic acid. Defects in VCAN are the cause of Wagner syndrome type 1 (WGN1). WGN is a dominantly inherited vitreoretinopathy characterized by an optically empty vitreous cavity with fibrillary condensations and a preretinal avascular membrane. Other optical features include progressive chorioretinal atrophy, perivascular sheating, subcapsular cataract and myopia. Systemic manifestations are absent in WGN. Belongs to the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family. 5 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Cell adhesion; Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 5q14.3

Cellular Component: extracellular matrix; proteinaceous extracellular matrix; extracellular space; lysosomal lumen; membrane; intracellular membrane-bound organelle; Golgi lumen; extracellular region

Molecular Function: protein binding; glycosaminoglycan binding; extracellular matrix structural constituent; hyaluronic acid binding; calcium ion binding; carbohydrate binding

Biological Process: extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; chondroitin sulfate biosynthetic process; central nervous system development; glycosaminoglycan metabolic process; heart development; multicellular organismal development; pathogenesis; cell recognition; glial cell migration; dermatan sulfate biosynthetic process; chondroitin sulfate metabolic process; osteoblast differentiation; carbohydrate metabolic process; chondroitin sulfate catabolic process; cell adhesion; skeletal development

Disease: Wagner Vitreoretinopathy