Nidogen-2 (NID2)

Nidogen-2 (NID2), also known as osteonidogen, is a highly conserved extracellular matrix glycoprotein and a key structural component of the basement membrane[1][2][4]. It functions primarily as a linker protein, bridging the laminin and collagen IV networks, thus stabilizing the basement membrane and contributing to the maintenance of tissue architecture during development and adult tissue homeostasis[1][2]. Nidogen-2 plays a critical cell-adhesion role by binding to collagens I and IV, laminin, and perlecan[5][2]. Although not strictly required for basement membrane formation or maintenance—as loss of NID2 can be compensated by nidogen-1—it is enriched particularly in the endothelial basement membranes and elastic fibers[1]. NID2 also modulates angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and influences differentiation in chondrogenic progenitor cells[2][3]. Epigenetic silencing (e.g., promoter hypermethylation) of NID2 is commonly observed in several human cancers, correlating with increased tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and poor prognosis; its methylation status is being explored as a sensitive cancer biomarker in bodily fluids[2].

Other names

Nidogen 2NID2NID-2Osteonidogenosteonidogennidogen-2