Mouse YKL-40 antibody

YKL-40, a member of the mammalian chitinase like protein class, is a 40 kD heparin binding glycoprotein. It shares amino acid sequence homology to non-mammalian chitinases but demonstrates no chitinase activity. The name YKL-40 is derived from the protein’s molecular weight and three N-terminus amino acids (tyrosine, lysine and leucine) . The biological function of YKL-40 remains largely unknown and is a field of extensive scientific debate. YKL-40 has been shown to be a potent growth factor for connective tissue cells and a potent migration factor for endothelial cells. Several research studies have demonstrated substantial levels of YKL-40 in environments with inflammation or where substantial remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) occurs, including various cancers, active rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, severe bacterial infections, and liver fibrosis.