The CHODL (Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein-like) antibody is associated with the study of CHODL, a protein initially identified in 2002 as a member of the thrombospondin type-1 (TSP-1) domain-containing protein family. Structurally resembling cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), CHODL is characterized by multiple TSP-1 repeats, which mediate interactions with extracellular matrix components and cell surface receptors. It is predominantly expressed in chondrogenic tissues, the nervous system, and specific immune cells, suggesting roles in skeletal development, neural circuit formation, and immune regulation.
Research highlights CHODL's involvement in neuronal axon guidance and synaptic connectivity during early development, as well as its regulatory effects on chondrocyte differentiation. Aberrant CHODL expression has been linked to pathologies, including cancer metastasis and skeletal disorders. For instance, elevated CHODL levels in certain tumors correlate with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.
CHODL antibodies, developed for detecting and quantifying the protein, are vital tools in studying its localization, function, and disease associations. They enable immunohistochemical analysis, Western blotting, and exploration of CHODL's mechanistic roles in signaling pathways. Recent studies also propose CHODL as a potential biomarker for cancer or cartilage-related diseases. Despite progress, its precise molecular interactions and therapeutic relevance remain under investigation, driving ongoing interest in CHODL-targeted research.