Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, HEK Protein

Background

COMP is a non-collagenous extracellular matrix protein primarily expressed in cartilage, tendons, and ligaments where it plays a key role in maintaining tissue structure and mechanical integrity COMP interacts with collagen fibrils and other matrix components to facilitate fibril assembly and stabilize the extracellular matrix COMP also functions as a chaperone during collagen secretion, promoting proper folding and export from chondrocytes Mutations in COMP are associated with skeletal dysplasias such as pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, which result in abnormal cartilage development, joint pain, and short stature COMP overexpression has been observed in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, where its elevated levels contribute to cartilage degradation and inflammation COMP is also implicated in cardiovascular diseases where it regulates vascular smooth muscle cell function and extracellular matrix remodeling