ACAN (aggrecan) antibodies are immunological tools targeting aggrecan, a large, multifunctional proteoglycan crucial for the structural integrity and function of cartilage. Aggrecan, a key component of the extracellular matrix in articular cartilage, consists of a core protein decorated with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains, primarily chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate. These chains enable aggrecan to resist compressive forces by retaining water, ensuring joint flexibility and load distribution.
ACAN antibodies are widely used in research to study cartilage homeostasis, degeneration, and diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They help detect aggrecan degradation products, such as those generated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or aggrecanases (ADAMTS family), which are biomarkers of cartilage breakdown. Specific epitopes, like the neoepitope NITEGE, are targeted to assess disease progression or therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models.
In autoimmune contexts, anti-ACAN antibodies have been implicated in pathological processes, though their role remains less defined. Commercially available ACAN antibodies vary in specificity, recognizing distinct domains (e.g., G1. G3) or cleavage sites, enabling diverse applications in immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Their development and validation are critical for advancing understanding of cartilage biology and developing targeted therapies for joint disorders.