Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing Protein 1 (CTHRC1)

CTHRC1 is specifically expressed in vascular calcifications of carotid artery lesions and may contribute to vascular remodeling of injured arteries. The deduced 243-amino acid human protein has an N-terminal signal peptide and a short collagen domain containing gly-X-Y repeats. Northern blot analysis revealed Cthrc1 expression in rat lung and brain, with much lower levels in other tissues examined. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry localized rat Cthrc1 mRNA and protein to blood vessel adventitia at 8 and 14 days after balloon injury, with lower levels in developing neointima. Significantly less Cthrc1 mRNA expression was detected 4 weeks after injury. Rat Cthrc1 protein was not detected in normal arteries. Human CTHR1 was not detected in noncalcified plaque regions.