HAPLN2
Description
The HAPLN2 (hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
HAPLN2 (also known as BRAL1) is a protein encoded by the HAPLN2 gene. It's related to HAPLN1, which is expressed in cartilage, but HAPLN2 is specifically expressed in the brain. HAPLN2 interacts with versican and brevican at the nodes of Ranvier in the brain. Mice with reduced HAPLN2 expression show disruptions in the extracellular matrix at these nodes, leading to abnormal action potential conduction.
HAPLN2 mediates a firm binding of versican V2 to hyaluronic acid. It likely plays a key role in forming the hyaluronic acid-associated matrix within the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to neuronal conduction and overall structural stability. HAPLN2 directly binds to hyaluronic acid.
HAPLN2 is also known as BRAL1.
Associated Diseases
- schizophrenia
- Parkinson disease
- major depressive disorder
- malignant glioma
- progressive supranuclear palsy
