CHI3L1 Summary:

Molecular Characteristics:

• Glycoprotein in chitinase-like protein family
• Lacks enzymatic activity
• Conserved (β/α) 8 barrel structure
• Regulated by inflammatory mediators

Cellular Functions:

• Cell signaling receptor interaction
• Triggers MAP kinase, PI3K/AKT pathways
• Supports cell survival and movement
• Regulates matrix production
• Influences collagen formation

Inflammatory Roles:

• Immune response regulation
• Macrophage development control
• Increases in conditions like:
• Arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Asthma
• Tissue repair and healing promotion

Cancer Biology Involvement:

• Elevated in multiple cancer types
• Promotes tumor angiogenesis
• Supports cancer cell invasion
• Facilitates metastasis
• Influences epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Key Signaling Pathways:

• Activated by IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α
• Engages NF-κB and STAT3 pathways

Potential Therapeutic Target:

• Promising for inflammatory disorder treatments
• Potential cancer intervention strategy