| Modification Notes |
MEPE (matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein), also known as OF45 (osteoblast/osteocyte factor 45), is a 525 amino acid extracellular matrix protein. Expressed in osteocytes and brain, MEPE is a regulator of bone metabolism that is thought to mediate mineralization and demineralization within the osteocyte microenvironment. MEPE contains an RGD cell-attachment motif and shares molecular similarities with several dentin-bone extracellular matrix RGD-containing phosphoglycoproteins, including OPN (osteopontin) and DSP (dentin sialophosphoprotein). Via its ability to control bone mineralization, MEPE is associated with various developmental events such as skeletogenesis, bone regeneration and odontogenesis. MEPE is secreted in hypophosphatemic osteomalacia tumors, suggesting a possible role in the pathophysiology of bone-related cancers. Defects in the gene encoding MEPE may be associated with osteomalacia, an adult form of the childhood disease known as rickets that is caused by inadequate bone mineralization. |
