Asporin mRNA (ASPN mRNA)

Asporin (ASPN) is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family, primarily located in the extracellular matrix of various tissues, including cartilage, bone, and the stroma of tumors (UniProt Q9BXN1). The ASPN mRNA encodes a protein that plays a critical role in regulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling and collagen fibrillogenesis (PMID: 15122251). In the context of musculoskeletal diseases, ASPN is a known susceptibility gene for osteoarthritis, where it inhibits TGF-beta-mediated chondrogenesis (PMID: 15122251). In oncology, ASPN is frequently overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and promotes tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis by modulating signaling pathways such as TGF-beta and Wnt/beta-catenin (PMID: 26461010). Targeting ASPN mRNA via RNA interference or antisense technologies represents a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit its pro-tumorigenic and pro-fibrotic effects, although such approaches remain largely in the preclinical stage (PMID: 31485114).

Other names

PLAP1SLRR1CPeriodontal ligament-associated protein 1 mRNAAsporin mRNA

RNA interference (siRNA) leading to mRNA degradation; Antisense inhibition