Seems to mediate adhesion by cell surface integrin binding. May serve as a communication link between the dermal fibroblast cell surface and its extracellular matrix environment. Enhances TGFB1 activity. Inhibits cell proliferation. Accelerates collagen fibril formation, and stabilizes collagen fibrils against low-temperature dissociation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Extracellular matrix
Expressed in fibroblasts, heart, skeletal muscle, brain and pancreas. Expressed at an intermediate level in lung and kidney, and at a low level in liver and placenta. Expressed at a lower level in fibroblasts from hypertrophic scar lesional skin and in fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis than in normal skin fibroblasts.