C-type lectin domain family 11 member A (CLEC11A)

C-type lectin domain family 11 member A (CLEC11A), also known as osteolectin or stem cell growth factor (SCGF), is a secreted sulfated glycoprotein and member of the C-type lectin superfamily[2][3][5]. CLEC11A is primarily expressed in bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and hypertrophic chondrocytes, where it plays an essential role in the regulation of bone mass by promoting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal progenitor cells as well as maintenance and repair of adult bone[1][5]. It also acts as a growth factor for primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells and is involved in maintaining hematopoietic homeostasis[2][3][5]. Mechanistically, CLEC11A binds integrin α11β1 on target cells, activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling to drive expression of osteoblast-related genes[1][3]. Deficiency of CLEC11A leads to reduced bone mass, delayed bone healing, and increased susceptibility to bone loss with age, while elevated levels are observed after bone marrow transplantation and correlate with blood cell recovery[5][4]. Additionally, CLEC11A has been associated with protection against severe malarial anemia and potential roles in leukemia and other cancers[3][5]. CLEC11A currently has no approved drug interactions or clinical therapeutics directly targeting it, but it is being explored as a potential agent for bone tissue engineering and bone regeneration therapies[1][5].

Other names

C-type lectin domain containing 11AC-type lectin superfamily member 3CLECSF3LSLCLSCGFOsteolectinstem cell growth factorp47lymphocyte secreted C-type lectinlymphocyte secreted long form of C-type lectin

Not established for drugs (CLEC11A is primarily a growth factor and not currently a drug target in approved therapies); experimentally, recombinant CLEC11A/ostelectin acts through binding integrin α11β1 receptor, activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in target cells[1][3][5]