endosteumin
Endosteumin is a protein that has been identified in the bone extracellular matrix and is thought to play a role in bone remodeling and mineralization. It is encoded by the ENDOST gene located on chromosome 13 in humans, and the gene produces a 260‑amino‑acid polypeptide that contains a N‑terminal signal peptide for secretion and several glycine‑rich repeats that facilitate interaction with collagen fibers. Endosteumin is predominantly expressed by osteocytes and osteoblasts, with expression levels that increase during periods of active bone formation such as fracture repair and skeletal development.
The protein binds calcium ions and has been shown to associate with type I collagen and osteopontin, suggesting
Research into endosteumin is ongoing, with particular interest in its potential as a biomarker for bone metabolic