Periostin ∞ Area

Periostin

Meaning

Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein, also known as osteoblast-specific factor 2, that plays a role in tissue development, maintenance, and remodeling. It is often associated with collagen fibrillogenesis, cellular adhesion, and the structural integrity of connective tissues.

Context

This protein is found in various connective tissues throughout the body, including bone, periosteum, periodontal ligament, and heart valves. It is significantly expressed during tissue repair, wound healing, and in response to mechanical stress. Its presence is particularly notable within the extracellular matrix, where it influences cellular behavior and tissue organization.

Significance

Elevated periostin levels are increasingly recognized as a clinical biomarker in several pathological conditions, most notably in chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma and various forms of fibrosis affecting organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart. Its detection can inform disease activity, predict therapeutic response to certain biologics, and contribute to patient stratification and prognosis, directly influencing clinical management.

Mechanism

Periostin exerts its effects primarily through interactions with other extracellular matrix components, including collagen, fibronectin, and tenascin-C, and by binding to cell surface integrins. These molecular interactions modulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This protein contributes to tissue repair, inflammation, and pathological remodeling processes by regulating cell-matrix communication.

Application

In clinical practice, measuring serum periostin levels can assist in identifying specific phenotypes of severe asthma patients who may benefit from targeted biologic therapies, such as those neutralizing IL-13. Research continues to explore its utility as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for fibrotic diseases and certain malignancies, offering potential avenues for precision medicine.

Metric

Periostin levels are commonly measured in biological fluids, such as serum or plasma, using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Tissue expression can be assessed through immunohistochemistry in biopsy samples, providing insights into localized protein distribution and abundance. These laboratory measurements offer objective data for clinical assessment and research studies.

Risk

As an endogenous protein, periostin itself does not carry direct risks or contraindications. However, its elevated presence as a biomarker indicates underlying pathological processes that inherently carry health risks. Misinterpretation of periostin levels without comprehensive clinical evaluation and correlation with patient symptoms and other diagnostic findings could lead to inappropriate medical decisions or delayed interventions for serious conditions.