VCAN
GeneName
VCAN
Summary
VCAN, also known as versican or PGM, is a large extracellular matrix proteoglycan that plays a critical role in various biological processes. It is primarily expressed in the extracellular matrix and is found in tissues such as the central nervous system, cartilage, and skin. VCAN is involved in cell adhesion and recognition, contributing to the structural integrity of tissues. It binds calcium ions, glycosaminoglycans, and hyaluronic acid, which aids in conferring compression resistance to the extracellular matrix. Additionally, it is implicated in glial cell migration and osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its importance in skeletal system development.
Importance
VCAN is relevant to: - Central nervous system development and repair, influencing glial cell migration and neuronal interactions - Skeletal system development, particularly in osteoblast differentiation and cartilage formation - Tumour microenvironments, where it may affect cell adhesion and migration dynamics - Diseases associated with extracellular matrix dysregulation, such as osteoarthritis and various cancers
Top Products
For researchers investigating VCAN, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-Versican antibody (ab19345), which has garnered 83 citations, highlighting its reliability in Western blotting (WB). Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-Versican antibody [EPR12277] (ab177480), which is also validated for WB and has 33 citations. This recombinant option provides the advantage of batch-to-batch consistency, making it an ideal choice for those requiring dependable results in their VCAN studies. The Anti-Versican antibody [EPR23374-151] ELISA Kit (ab270445), supported by 3 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure VCAN levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that VCAN is being studied in various contexts related to cell migration, invasion, and hormone stimulation. The use of Abcam antibodies in human leukemia cells and domestic pig ovarian cells highlights the relevance of VCAN in both cancer research and reproductive biology.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Developmental stage
Expressed in developing photoreceptors and the interphotoreceptor matrix between 12 and 17 weeks post conception (at protein level) (PubMed:29777959). Disappears in aorta after the cartilage development (PubMed:7921538).
Function
May play a role in intercellular signaling and in connecting cells with the extracellular matrix. May take part in the regulation of cell motility, growth and differentiation. Binds hyaluronic acid.
Involvement in disease
Wagner vitreoretinopathy
WGVRP
A rare vitreoretinopathy characterized by an optically empty vitreous cavity with fibrillary condensations and a preretinal avascular membrane. Other optical features include progressive chorioretinal atrophy, perivascular sheating, subcapsular cataract and myopia.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The pathological mechanism involves a quantitative imbalance of the normally occurring splice variants (PubMed:22739342).
Post-translational modifications
Phosphorylated by FAM20C in the extracellular medium.
Proteolytically cleaved by ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS15 in the pericellular matrix surrounding myoblasts, facilitating myoblast contact and fusion which is required for skeletal muscle development and regeneration.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family.
Tissue Specificity
Detected in placenta (at protein level) (PubMed:32337544). Detected in cerebrospinal fluid, fibroblasts and urine (at protein level) (PubMed:25326458, PubMed:36213313). Expressed in the retina (at protein level) (PubMed:29777959). Cerebral white matter and plasma (PubMed:2469524). Isoform V0: Expressed in normal brain, gliomas, medulloblastomas, schwannomas, neurofibromas, and meningiomas (PubMed:8627343). Isoform V1: Expressed in normal brain, gliomas, medulloblastomas, schwannomas, neurofibromas, and meningiomas (PubMed:8627343). Isoform V2: Restricted to normal brain and gliomas (PubMed:8627343). Isoform V3: Found in all these tissues except medulloblastomas (PubMed:8627343).
Cellular localization
- Secreted
- Extracellular space
- Extracellular matrix
- Cell projection
- Cilium
- Photoreceptor outer segment
- Secreted
- Extracellular space
- Extracellular matrix
- Interphotoreceptor matrix
- Secreted
Alternative names
CSPG2, VCAN, Versican core protein, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan core protein 2, Glial hyaluronate-binding protein, Large fibroblast proteoglycan, PG-M, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 2, GHAP
Database links
swissprot:P13611 entrezGene:1462 swissprot:Q5JVS0 swissprot:Q07021 omim:118661 swissprot:Q14520