TSG-6: a multifunctional protein associated with inflammation.
TSG-6 expression is upregulated in many cell types in response to a variety of proinflammatory mediators and growth factors. This protein is detected in several inflammatory disease states (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and in the context of inflammation-like processes, such as ovulation, and is often associated with extracellular matrix remodelling. TSG-6 has anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects in various models of inflammation and arthritis, which suggest that it is a component of a negative feedback loop capable of downregulating the inflammatory response. Growing evidence also indicates that TSG-6 acts as a crucial factor in ovulation by influencing the expansion of the hyaluronan-rich cumulus extracellular matrix in the preovulatory follicle. TSG-6 is a member of the Link module superfamily and binds to hyaluronan (a vital component of extracellular matrix), as well as other glycosaminoglycans, via its Link module. In addition, TSG-6 forms both covalent and non-covalent complexes with inter-alpha-inhibitor (a serine protease inhibitor present at high levels in serum) and potentiates its anti-plasmin activity.
Milner
Caroline M
CM
MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
Day
Anthony J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000378:metabolism; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010060:Ovulation / Q000378:metabolism; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C072273:TNFAIP6 protein, human; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid