TSG-6

Tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene 6 protein also known as TNF-stimulated gene 6 protein or TSG-6 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFAIP6 (tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 6) is_associated_with::gene.

TSG-6 is a 30 kDa secreted protein that contains a is_associated_with::hyaluronan-binding LINK domain a and thus is a member of the hyaluronan-binding protein family, also called hyaladherins. The hyaluronan-binding domain is known to be involved in is_associated_with::extracellular matrix stability and is_associated_with::cell migration. This protein has been shown to form a stable, is_associated_with::covalent complex with inter-alpha-inhibitor (IαI), and thus enhance the is_associated_with::serine protease inhibitory activity of IαI, which is important in the protease network associated with inflammation. The expression of this gene can be induced by a number of signalling molecules, principally tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The expression can also be induced by mechanical stimuli in vascular smooth muscle cells, and is found to be correlated with is_associated_with::proteoglycan synthesis and aggregation.

TSG-6 also interacts with a plethora of matrix associated molecules, such an is_associated_with::aggrecan, is_associated_with::versican, is_associated_with::thrombospondin (1&2), pentraxin-3 and is_associated_with::fibronectin.