Anti-Asporin / ASPN, Internal

Protein function: Negatively regulates periodontal ligament (PDL) differentiation and mineralization to ensure that the PDL is not ossified and to maintain homeostasis of the tooth-supporting system. Inhibits BMP2-induced cytodifferentiation of PDL cells by preventing its binding to BMPR1B/BMP type-1B receptor, resulting in inhibition of BMP-dependent activation of SMAD proteins. Critical regulator of TGF-beta in articular cartilage and plays an essential role in cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Negatively regulates chondrogenesis in the articular cartilage by blocking the TGF- beta/receptor interaction on the cell surface and inhibiting the canonical TGF-beta/Smad signal. Binds calcium and plays a role in osteoblast-driven collagen biomineralization activity. [The UniProt Consortium]