Periostin is a matricellular protein that belongs to the fasciclin family and is encoded by the POSTN gene.
It is primarily involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and is expressed in various connective tissues, including the periosteum, periodontal ligament, skin, and heart valves.
It plays a significant role in tissue repair, fibrosis, and remodeling by interacting with integrins and other extracellular proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, and tenascin.
It is upregulated in response to mechanical stress and injury, contributing to processes such as wound healing and bone formation.
In the context of respiratory diseases, it is recognized as a biomarker for type 2 inflammation, particularly in conditions like asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
It is induced by cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 and is involved in airway remodeling and eosinophil recruitment.
Periostin’s role extends to various pathological conditions, including allergic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, where it influences cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation.