YKL-40
YKL-40, also known as Chitinase-3-like protein 1, is a carbohydrate-binding lectin with a preference for chitin. It plays a role in defense against pathogens and in tissue remodeling. YKL-40 is thought to play an important role in the capacity of cells to respond to and cope with changes in their environment. It is a potent growth factor for connective tissue cells and acts as a migration factor for endothelial cells. YKL-40 is present in activated macrophages, articular chondrocytes, synovial cells, and the liver. It is undetectable in muscle tissues, lung, pancreas, mononuclear cells, or fibroblasts. YKL-40 binds chitins; however, it has no chitinase activity. Elevated serum levels are seen in arthritis, severe bacterial infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and various cancers.
Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P36222
