Decorin

Human protein encoded by the DCN gene. Proteoglycan of 90-140kDa molecular weight. Part of the family of leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP). Found in the cellular or pericellular matrix. Decorin is a component of connective tissue and binds to type I collagen fibrils. It plays a role in the matrix arrangement.

In recent years, there has been some research to clarify the meaning and function of decorin in various settings. Found have been:

• Decorin functions in general: suppression of tumor growth, angiogenesis, prevention of metastasis in numerous in vitro and in vivo models. Perspctive - Decorin as a candidate for therapy of solid malignancies?
• Recurrent varicose veins: Based on the expression of decorin, neovascularizations can be distinguished from a residual limb. In the setting of neovascularizations, excessive expression of decorin occurs. Role of decorin as an angiogenesis inhibitor?
• Tumor stroma: expression of decorin, function of decorin as a tumor suppressor.
• Non-small cell lung cancer: co-regulation of decorin expression in tumor cells and stroma with survival prognosis. The lower the decorin expression, the worse the prognosis.

• Hong X et al (2016) Reduced decorin expression in the tumor stroma correlates with tumor proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in patients with I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer. Tumor Biol 2016 Oct 10 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5431-1
• Neil T et al (2016) Dceorin as a multivariant therapeutic agent against cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 97:174-85. DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.10.016
• Reich-Schupke S et al (2011) Decorin expression with stump recurrence and neovascularization after varicose vein surgery--a pilot study. Dermatol Surg 37:480-485. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.01912.x