CTHRC1 Human

CTHRC1 is a secreted, glycosylated protein with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa . It contains a short collagen motif with 12 Gly-X-Y repeats, which is responsible for the trimerization of the protein . This trimerization makes the protein susceptible to cleavage by collagenase . The protein is highly conserved across species, from lower chordates to mammals .

CTHRC1 plays a significant role in the cellular response to arterial injury by contributing to vascular remodeling . It acts as a negative regulator of collagen matrix deposition, thereby inhibiting collagen expression and promoting cell migration . This function is crucial in processes such as wound healing and tissue repair.

Mutations in the CTHRC1 gene have been associated with various diseases, including Barrett esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma . Additionally, CTHRC1 is highly expressed in multiple human cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma . Its overexpression can serve as an independent prognostic marker in certain cancers, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target .

Recombinant human CTHRC1 is produced using expression systems such as E. coli . This recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including blocking assays and control experiments . The recombinant form retains the biological activity of the native protein, making it a valuable tool for studying the protein’s function and role in disease.

CTHRC1 is involved in several signaling pathways, including the Wnt and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways . These pathways are crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Understanding the role of CTHRC1 in these pathways can provide insights into its involvement in cancer progression and other diseases.