Dermatopontin (DPT)

Dermatopontin (DPT) is a small, non-collagenous, tyrosine-rich acidic protein found in the extracellular matrix, particularly abundant in the dermis. It mediates cell adhesion through binding to cell surface integrins, enhances the biological activity of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture by accelerating collagen and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. DPT is implicated in tissue repair processes, including wound healing, by promoting keratinocyte migration and acting as a communication link between dermal fibroblasts and the matrix. Loss of DPT function results in ECM abnormalities reminiscent of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in animal models. While DPT influences several biological functions in the ECM, it is not classified as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or other classical drug target family and currently no drugs are known to target it directly. Its altered expression is noted in certain disease states, such as carcinomas, fibrosis, and connective tissue disorders.

Other names

Tyrosine-rich acidic matrix proteinTRAMPDERMDERMATOPONTINDPT proteinDPT_HUMANdermatopontin