Abnormalities in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a pentameric structural protein
of the cartilage extracellular matrix, have been identified in pseudoachondroplasia and
multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, two human autosomal dominant osteochondrodysplasias.
However, the function of the protein remains unknown. With the goal of establishing a model
to study the mechanisms by which COMP mutations cause disease, we have analyzed
synthesis and secretion of COMP in cultured chondrocytes, tendon, and ligament cells …