Collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 (CTHRC1)

Collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 (CTHRC1) is a highly conserved, secreted 28-kDa glycoprotein characterized by a short collagen triple helix repeat domain and a C-terminal C1q-like domain. It primarily acts as a negative regulator of collagen matrix deposition and promotes cell migration, contributing to proper tissue development, repair, and vascular remodeling following injury. CTHRC1 is involved in switching Wnt signaling from the canonical (β-catenin dependent) to the noncanonical (planar cell polarity) pathway, influencing cellular responses during tissue repair and pathological remodeling. It is transiently expressed in response to arterial injury and is implicated in disease processes such as Barrett esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and, more broadly, cancer and fibrotic diseases. Currently, no approved drugs directly target CTHRC1, but it is considered a prospective therapeutic target and a biomarker for disease progression in several contexts.

Other names

CTHRC1Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1Cthrc1 proteinCTHR1_HUMANQ96CG8 (Uniprot Accession)G3V141Q6UW91Q8IX63

Modulation of collagen deposition and extracellular matrix organization. Influence on Wnt signaling pathways (inhibition of canonical, activation of noncanonical Wnt/PCP).