Description
Osteopontin (OPN) is also known as Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), Bone sialoprotein 1, Nephropontin, Urinary stone protein, Uropontin, BNSP, which belongs to the osteopontin family. OPN / SPP1 is a highly negatively charged, extracellular matrix protein that lacks an extensive secondary structure. Full length OPN (OPN-FL) can be modified by thrombin cleavage, which exposes a cryptic sequence, SVVYGLR on the cleaved form of the protein known as OPN-R. Osteopontin / SPP-1 is biosynthesized by a variety of tissue types. OPN is the ligand for integrin alpha-V/beta-3. OPN / SPP1 binds tightly to hydroxyapatite and appears to form an integral part of the mineralized matrix. OPN / SPP1 probably important to cell-matrix interaction. OPN / SPP1 acts as a cytokine involved in enhancing production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 and reducing production of interleukin-10 and is essential in the pathway that leads to type I immunity