PRG4

The protein encoded by this gene is a large proteoglycan specifically synthesized by chondrocytes located at the surface of articular cartilage, and also by some synovial lining cells. This protein contains both chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. It functions as a boundary lubricant at the cartilage surface and contributes to the elastic absorption and energy dissipation of synovial fluid. Mutations in this gene result in camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis syndrome. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]