The role of osteopontin in inflammatory processes.
Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein that mediates diverse biological functions. OPN is involved in normal physiological processes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states, including atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and several chronic inflammatory diseases. Through interactions with several integrins, OPN mediates cell migration, adhesion, and survival in many cell types. OPN also functions as a Th1 cytokine, promotes cell-mediated immune responses, and plays a role in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Besides its function in inflammation, OPN is also a regulator of biomineralization and a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification.
Lund
Susan Amanda
SA
Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Box 358056, Seattle, WA 98195 USA.
Giachelli
Cecilia M
CM
Scatena
Marta
M