Matrilin 2 (MATN2)

Matrilin-2 is a member of the von Willebrand factor A domain containing protein family. This family of proteins is thought to be involved in the formation of filamentous networks in the extracellular matrices of various tissues.The specific function of this gene has not yet been determined. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.MATN2 contains 2 VWFA-like domains, 10 EGF-type modules, and an oligomerization module. RT-PCR demonstrated wide expression of MATN2 in human cell lines of fibroblastic or epithelial origin. Two mRNA transcripts were detected which differ from each other in a short region that is unique to matrilin-2; 19 triplets are included or spliced out of the mature mRNA as a result of alternative 3-prime splice site selection.