Anti-COMP Antibody Picoband®

COMP is a pentameric extracellular matrix protein that catalyzes the assembly of collagens and promotes formation of well-defined fibrils. This gene is mapped to 19q13.32. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in energy homeostasis and is an important serum marker for myocardial infarction. The encoded protein reversibly catalyzes the transfer of phosphate between ATP and various phosphogens such as creatine phosphate. It acts as a homodimer in striated muscle as well as in other tissues, and as a heterodimer with a similar brain isozyme in heart. The encoded protein is a member of the ATP:guanido phosphotransferase protein family.

Abundantly expressed in the chondrocyte extracellular matrix, and is also found in bone, tendon, ligament and synovium and blood vessels. Increased amounts are produced during late stages of osteoarthritis in the area adjacent to the main defect.

Signal Transduction, Cell Biology, Cell Cycle, Stem Cells, Cell Differentiation, Cytoskeleton/ECM, Extracellular Matrix, Structures, ECM Proteins, Mesenchymal Stem Cells

May play a role in the structural integrity of cartilage via its interaction with other extracellular matrix proteins such as the collagens and fibronectin. Can mediate the interaction of chondrocytes with the cartilage extracellular matrix through interaction with cell surface integrin receptors. Could play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Potent suppressor of apoptosis in both primary chondrocytes and transformed cells. Suppresses apoptosis by blocking the activation of caspase-3 and by inducing the IAP family of survival proteins (BIRC3, BIRC2, BIRC5 and XIAP) . Essential for maintaining a vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contractile/differentiated phenotype under physiological and pathological stimuli. Maintains this phenotype of VSMCs by interacting with ITGA7 (By similarity) .

1. Ballo, R., Briggs, M. D., Cohn, D. H., Knowlton, R. G., Beighton, P. H., Ramesar, R. S. Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, Ribbing type: a novel point mutation in the COMP gene in a South African family. Am. J. Med. Genet. 68: 396-400, 1997. Note: Erratum: Am. J. Med. Genet. 71: 494 only, 1997. 2. Deere, M., Sanford, T., Ferguson, H. L., Daniels, K., Hecht, J. T. Identification of twelve mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in patients with pseudoachondroplasia. Am. J. Med. Genet. 80: 510-513, 1998.

Store at -20°C for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4°C for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20°C for six months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.