FAP (fibroblast activation protein) is a cell surface glycoprotein and serine protease that is expressed primarily in fetal mesenchymal tissues and epithelial cancer fibroblasts. In cancer, FAP functions to promote cellular proliferation. In embryonic development, FAP functions to remodel developing tissues. FAP acts as an integral membrane gelatinase composed of N-glycosylated proteolytically inactive subunits. FAP expression on chondrocyte membranes is upregulated by the combination of the cytokines IL-1 and OSM and has been shown to increase in osteoarthritic patients. This expression is co-localized with MMP-1and MMP-13 as well as CD44 (variants v3 and v7/8). Mice that lack all copies of the FAP gene have been found to be fertile and to have developmental defects or change in cancer susceptibility.
