Open AccessThe role of osteopontin in inflammatory processes
Author(s) -
Lund Susan Amanda,
Giachelli Cecilia M.,
Scatena Marta
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cell communication and signaling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1873-961X
pISSN - 1873-9601
DOI - 10.1007/s12079-009-0068-0
Subject(s) - osteopontin , matricellular protein , inflammation , pathogenesis , immunology , integrin , immune system , proinflammatory cytokine , cell adhesion , medicine , biology , cancer research , cell , microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular matrix , genetics
Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein that mediates diverse biological functions. OPN is involved in normal physiological processes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states, including atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and several chronic inflammatory diseases. Through interactions with several integrins, OPN mediates cell migration, adhesion, and survival in many cell types. OPN also functions as a Th1 cytokine, promotes cell‐mediated immune responses, and plays a role in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Besides its function in inflammation, OPN is also a regulator of biomineralization and a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification.