{"symbol":"ASPN","synonyms":["SLRR1C","PLAP1","OS3"],"name":"asporin","description":"This gene encodes a cartilage extracellular protein that is member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. The encoded protein may regulate chondrogenesis by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta 1-induced gene expression in cartilage. This protein also binds collagen and calcium and may induce collagen mineralization. Polymorphisms in the aspartic acid repeat region of this gene are associated with a susceptibility to osteoarthritis, and also with intervertebral disc disease. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq, Jul 2014]","ncbiEntrezGeneId":54829,"ncbiEntrezGeneUrl":"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/54829","proteins":[{"symbol":"ASPN_HUMAN","href":"/api/1.0/protein/ASPN_HUMAN"}],"hgncRootFamilies":[{"name":"Proteoglycans","href":"/api/1.0/gene_family/Proteoglycans"}]}