Aggrecan
Aggrecan (ACAN) is a large proteoglycan and a major component of the extracellular matrix of cartilaginous tissues, where it helps cartilage resist compression. It is also known as aggrecan core protein, CSPG1, AGC1, CSPGCP and MSK16. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Aggrecan research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Aggrecan is a proteoglycan that forms a major component of the extracellular matrix in cartilaginous tissues. Its central function is to resist compression in cartilage, and it is an integral part of the matrix that allows cartilage to withstand load. The protein binds avidly to hyaluronic acid through an N-terminal globular region, which anchors it within the matrix.
The ACAN gene encodes aggrecan core protein, a secreted protein found in the extracellular space and extracellular matrix. It belongs to the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family, and HGNC places it in the hyalectan proteoglycan group, alongside the V-set domain, Sushi domain and C-type lectin domain containing groups. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed, and these encode different protein isoforms. Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene named Acan, so the aggrecan protein can be studied in common rodent models.
The gene has carried several names over time, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 1 and aggrecan 1, with the symbols CSPG1 and AGC1 reflecting these earlier names. Mutations in the aggrecan gene may be involved in skeletal dysplasia and spinal degeneration, which makes it a point of interest for researchers studying cartilage biology and skeletal disorders.
Aggrecan is a major extracellular matrix component of cartilaginous tissues, so it is a central protein for studying how cartilage is built and maintained.
A major function of aggrecan is to resist compression in cartilage, making it relevant to research on how cartilage withstands load.
Mutations in the aggrecan gene may be involved in skeletal dysplasia, linking ACAN to studies of skeletal development and disease.
Variation in the aggrecan gene may contribute to spinal degeneration, giving researchers a target for investigating degenerative changes in the spine.
Aggrecan is a major proteoglycan of the extracellular matrix in cartilaginous tissues. Its main role is to resist compression in cartilage. It binds avidly to hyaluronic acid through an N-terminal globular region, which ties it into the surrounding matrix.
Aggrecan is also called aggrecan core protein, ACAN, CSPG1, AGC1, CSPGCP and MSK16. Earlier names were chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 1 and aggrecan 1. Alternatively spliced transcript variants of the gene encode different protein isoforms.
Mutations in the aggrecan gene may be involved in skeletal dysplasia and spinal degeneration. Mouse and rat each have an orthologous gene called Acan. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other hyalectan proteoglycans and extracellular matrix proteins related to aggrecan, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P16112; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.