Aggrecan (E8B8S) Rabbit mAb #28971

Aggrecan (AGC1, CSPG1, MSK16), encoded by the ACAN gene, is a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the growth plate and articular cartilage (1). There the protein forms a hydrated gel structure via its interaction with hyaluronan and a link protein, endowing the cartilage with load-bearing properties. Aggrecan is crucial in chondroskeletal morphogenesis during development (2). Aggrecan is also found in brain, heart, and aorta, where it is involved in the development and normal function of these tissues (3-5). Aggrecan has 3 globular domains G1, G2, and G3. The N-terminal G1 domain directly interacts with ECM hyaluronan to form large aggregates and a gel like structure. The G3 domain interacts with a variety of ECM molecules, such as tenascins, fibulins, and fibrillin, to mediate ECM structure and function. Many chondroitin sulfate chains (CS) and keratan sulfate chains (KS) are covalently attached to sites in the region between G2 and G3 of aggrecan. The CS- and KS- rich region forms a structure to provide binding and storage sites for growth factors such as VEGF and TGFβ. Mutation of aggrecan is associated with many disease phenotypes, such as short stature and abnormal skeletal structure formation (6,7). Aberrant high degradation of aggrecan by ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 is a key process during osteoarthritis (8,9).