NG2CSPG4

NG2CSPG4, also known as Neuron-Glia 2 Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4, is a specific form of a proteoglycan protein encoded by the CSPG4 gene in humans. It belongs to the family of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various tissues. NG2CSPG4 is particularly notable for its role in cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and signaling, especially during development and in pathological conditions such as cancer.

The protein is characterized by a large extracellular domain with chondroitin sulfate chains, a single transmembrane domain, and short cytoplasmic tails. These structural features facilitate its function as a cell surface receptor, mediating interactions between cells and the ECM. NG2CSPG4 is expressed in a variety of cell types, including oligodendrocyte precursor cells, pericytes, and certain melanoma cells, indicating its involvement in processes such as neural development and angiogenesis.

In the nervous system, NG2CSPG4 plays a role in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and differentiation, contributing to myelination. In the context of cancer, overexpression of NG2CSPG4 has been linked to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Its expression in pericytes also highlights its role in vascular stability and blood-brain barrier integrity.

Research on NG2CSPG4 continues to explore its functions and potential applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. Its widespread presence across different tissues and roles in cell signaling underscore its significance in both normal physiology and disease mechanisms.