asporin

Asporin is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family that functions as an extracellular matrix protein and a key regulator of signaling pathways, particularly the TGF-β pathway. In the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), asporin has been identified as a potential therapeutic target and agent. Research indicates that asporin expression is significantly upregulated in the pulmonary arteries of PAH patients as a compensatory mechanism to inhibit the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Mechanistically, asporin binds directly to Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFβ1), thereby inhibiting the activation of the downstream p-SMAD2/3 signaling axis which otherwise drives medial hyperplasia and vascular remodeling. Therapeutic strategies under investigation include the administration of recombinant asporin to suppress disease progression or the use of siRNA to modulate its expression in experimental models.

Other names

PLAP-1PLAP1PLAP 1Periodontal ligament-associated protein 1