Chondroadherin Like Protein (CHADL)

CHADL belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family. SLRP class IV subfamily. Chondroadherin is a cartilage protein with cell binding properties. The expression of chondroadherin was studied in rat tissues and during postnatal femoral head development. For design of oligonucleotide probes and primers a 1664 bp, full length, rat chondroadherin cDNA was isolated from a rat chondrosarcoma library and sequenced. Northern blot analysis showed chondroadherin mRNA to be present in femoral head and rib cartilage, as well as in tendon. More sensitive reverse-transcriptase PCR additionally identified the mRNA in calvaria, long bone and bone marrow. Localization of chondroadherin by immunocytochemistry in the developing femoral head from postnatal day 14 to day 60 showed presence of the protein in cartilaginous regions.