DANCE, a novel secreted RGD protein expressed in developing, atherosclerotic, and balloon-injured arteries

We have identified and characterized mouse, rat, and human cDNAs that encod e a novel secreted protein of 448 amino acids named DANCE (developmental ar teries and neural crest epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like). DANCE contains six calcium-binding EGF-like domains, one of which includes an RGD motif. Overexpression studies of recombinant DANCE protein document that DANCE is a secreted 66-kDa protein. DANCE and recently described protein S1-5 compri se a new EGF-like protein family. The human DANCE gene was mapped at chromo some 14q32.1. DANCE mRNA is mainly expressed in heart, ovary, and colon in adult human tissues. Expression profile analysis by in situ hybridization r evealed prominent DANCE expression in developing arteries. DANCE is also ex pressed in neural crest cell derivatives, endocardial cushion tissue, and s everal other mesenchymal tissues. In adult vessels, DANCE expression is lar gely diminished but is reinduced in balloon-injured vessels and atheroscler otic lesions, notably in intimal vascular smooth muscle cells and endotheli al cells that lose their ability to proliferate in late stage of injury. DA NCE protein was shown to promote adhesion of endothelial cells through inte raction of integrins and the RGD motif of DANCE. DANCE is thus a novel vasc ular ligand for integrin receptors and may play a role in vascular developm ent and remodeling.