Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 3 (HAPLN3)

Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 3 (HAPLN3) is an extracellular matrix protein belonging to the hyaluronan and proteoglycan binding link protein family. It is believed to function predominantly in hyaluronic acid binding, cell adhesion, and structural organization of the extracellular matrix[1][3][4]. HAPLN3 is secreted and found in the extracellular space, where it may support the assembly of ECM aggregates, especially in tissues with high hyaluronan and proteoglycan content such as connective tissues[1]. Genetic studies have linked increased expression of HAPLN3 with several types of cancer, including breast cancer and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, where it may contribute to tumor progression via effects on cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment[2][4]. HAPLN3 has no currently known direct pharmacologic ligands or targeted therapies, but its differential expression may serve as a predictive and prognostic biomarker for malignancies and guide patient selection for immunotherapies[2][4].

Other names

EXLD1HsT19883UNQ238/PRO271extracellular link domain containing 1HPLN3

No direct mechanism of action for drugs reported. However, HAPLN3 expression appears to modulate sensitivity to immunotherapy (e.g., anti-PD1, anti-CTLA4) in renal cell carcinoma[2].