Binds tightly to hydroxyapatite. Appears to form an integral part of the mineralized matrix. Probably important to cell-matrix interaction. Acts as a cytokine involved in enhancing production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 and reducing production of interleukin-10 and is essential in the pathway that leads to type I immunity
[1] Kiefer M.C., Bauer D.M., Barr P.J. The cDNA and derived amino acid sequence for human osteopontin. Nucleic Acids Res. 17:3306-3306(1989) [2] Young M.F., Kerr J.M., Termine J.D., Wewer U.M., Wang M.G., McBride O.W., Fisher L.W. cDNA cloning, mRNA dist