[5][6] Dermatopontin is a 22-kDa protein of the noncollagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) estimated to comprise 12 mg/kg of wet dermis weight.

[8] In vertebrates, the primary function of dermatopontin is a structural component of the ECM (interaction with decorin and modification of collagen fibrillogenesis), cell adhesion, modulation of TGF-β activity and cellular quiescence).

In invertebrate, dermatopontin homologue plays a role in hemagglutination, cell-cell aggregation, and expression during parasite infection.

These membrane proteins perform many functions, including transporting materials, serving as enzymes for chemical reactions, transmitting cell signals, and intercellular junction (1).

Both DPT and re-epithelialization depend on the migration of the epidermal keratinocytes and the many different growth factors that are located within the extracellular matrix.

The keratinocytes are epidermal cells that help with the production of keratin, which is a fibrous protein that can be found in hair, feathers, and hooves.

Dermatopontin plays a key role in interactions of the cell matrix and its assembly that can in turn induce cellular apoptosis.

[11][unreliable medical source] DPT, along with lumican and decorin, is a biomarker for giant-cell tumor of bone (GCTB).

[12][unreliable medical source] There is also a relationship between CCW (chronic cutaneous wound) and the DPT gene.

[13][unreliable medical source] DPT is also a biomarker for OSCC (oral squamous cell carcinoma) as well.