Aggrecan core protein 2; 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.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein; May play a role in the structural integrity of cartilage via its interaction with other extracellular matrix proteins such as the collagens and fibronectin. Can mediate the interaction of chondrocytes with the cartilage extracellular matrix through interaction with cell surface integrin receptors. Could play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Potent suppressor of apoptosis in both primary chondrocytes and transformed cells. Suppresses apoptosis by blocking the activation of caspase-3 and by inducing the IAP family of survival proteins (BI [...]

Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor; Inhibits activity of the coagulation protease factor Xa in the presence of PROZ, calcium and phospholipids. Also inhibits factor XIa in the absence of cofactors; Belongs to the serpin family.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4; Proteoglycan playing a role in cell proliferation and migration which stimulates endothelial cells motility during microvascular morphogenesis. May also inhibit neurite outgrowth and growth cone collapse during axon regeneration. Cell surface receptor for collagen alpha 2(VI) which may confer cells ability to migrate on that substrate. Binds through its extracellular N-terminus growth factors, extracellular matrix proteases modulating their activity. May regulate MPP16-dependent degradation and invasion of type I collagen participating in melanoma ce [...]

Collagen alpha-1(II) chain; Type II collagen is specific for cartilaginous tissues. It is essential for the normal embryonic development of the skeleton, for linear growth and for the ability of cartilage to resist compressive forces.

Collagenase 3; Plays a role in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins including fibrillar collagen, fibronectin, TNC and ACAN. Cleaves triple helical collagens, including type I, type II and type III collagen, but has the highest activity with soluble type II collagen. Can also degrade collagen type IV, type XIV and type X. May also function by activating or degrading key regulatory proteins, such as TGFB1 and CCN2. Plays a role in wound healing, tissue remodeling, cartilage degradation, bone development, bone mineralization and ossification. Required for normal embryonic bon [...]

Transcription factor SOX-9; Transcriptional regulator that plays a role in chondrocytes differentiation and skeletal development. Binds to the COL2A1 promoter and activates COL2A1 expression, as part of a complex with ZNF219 (By similarity).

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5; Metalloproteinase that plays an important role in connective tissue organization, development, inflammation, arthritis, and cell migration. ADAMTS5 is an extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzyme that show proteolytic activity toward the hyalectan group of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) including aggrecan, versican, brevican and neurocan. Cleavage within the hyalectans occurs at Glu-Xaa recognition motifs. Plays a role in embryonic development, including limb and cardiac morphogenesis, and skeletal muscle de [...]