ChM-1 is a cartilage-specific matrix glycoprotein that stimulates the growth of chondrocytes. ChM-1 inhibits angiogenesis by disrupting the tube formation of endothelial cells and thus is responsible for the avascular nature of cartilage. ChM-1 is strongly expressed by the proliferating and hypertrophic zones in the epiphyseal plate of long bones. ChM-1 accumulates in the interterritorial matrix around the lacunae. During development, downregulation of ChM-1 permits angiogenesis and ultimately bone formation on the cartilage template. ChM-1 expression is downregulated in the presence of several growth factors including TGFβ2, FGF2 and PTHLH. ChM-1 expression may also play a role in the hypovascularity and chondroid formation of pleomorphic adenomas. The gene encoding human ChM-1 maps to chromosome 13q14-q21.
