CILP-1 Proteins and Enzymes

CILP, Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein, is specifically expressed in the articular cartilage intermediate layer (it cannot be found in the superficial nor in the deepest layers) and is involved in scaffolding. Overexpression of this protein may lead to impairment of chondrocyte growth and matrix repair and indirectly promote inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) supersaturation in aging and osteoarthritis cartilage. Antibodies against CILP are detected in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis and defects in this gene may be a cause of susceptibility to lumbar disk disease.