Integral component of basement membranes. Component of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), responsible for the fixed negative electrostatic membrane charge, and which provides a barrier which is both size- and charge-selective. It serves as an attachment substrate for cells. Plays essential roles in vascularization. Critical for normal heart development and for regulating the vascular response to injury. Also required for avascular cartilage development.
Anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor peptide that inhibits endothelial cell migration, collagen-induced endothelial tube morphogenesis and blood vessel growth in the chorioallantoic membrane. Blocks endothelial cell adhesion to fibronectin and type I collagen. Anti-tumor agent in neovascularization. Interaction with its ligand, integrin alpha2/beta1, is required for the anti-angiogenic properties. Evokes a reduction in phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases via alpha2/beta1 integrin-mediated activation of the tyrosine phosphatase, PTPN6.
Has anti-angiogenic properties that require binding of calcium ions for full activity.
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Extracellular matrix, Basement membrane, Secreted
Detected in cerebrospinal fluid, fibroblasts and urine (at protein level).