TNFAIP6, TNF-stimulated Gene 6 Protein, TSG6

TSG6 is a secretory protein that contains a hyaluronan-binding domain, and thus is a member of the hyaluronan-binding protein family. The hyaluronan-binding domain is involved in extracellular matrix stability and cell migration. This protein forms a stable complex with inter-alpha-inhibitor (I alpha I), and thus enhances the serine protease inhibitory activity of I alpha I, which is important in the protease network associated with inflammation. The expression of this gene can be induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1. The expression can also be induced by mechanical stimuli in vascular smooth muscle cells, and is correlated with proteoglycan synthesis and aggregation.