This gene encodes a cartilage extracellular protein that is member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. The encoded protein may regulate chondrogenesis by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta 1-induced gene expression in cartilage. This protein also binds collagen and calcium and may induce collagen mineralization. Polymorphisms in the aspartic acid repeat region of this gene are associated with a susceptibility to osteoarthritis, and also with intervertebral disc disease. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.,ASPN,OS3,PLAP-1,PLAP1,SLRR1C,asporin,Signal Transduction,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Cytoskeleton,Extracellular Matrix,Bone,ASPN