[12] The main function of Matrilin-3 is to enhance Collagen II and aggrecan expression which is essential in maintaining the elasticity and strength of cartilage.

The chicken Matrilin-3 also differs as it does not contain an insertion of a single aspartic acid residue in their four EGF -like domains, like in the human and mouse Matrilin-3 sequences.

[8] Matrilin-3 plays a crucial role in keeping structural integrity of cartilage an extracellular matrix, and has been shown to have increased levels in osteoarthritis, and is also expressed in bone under normal conditions.

(ncbi) Point mutations in Matrilin-3 can affect protein folding and trafficking, as Matrilin-3 is retained and accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a reduced formation of filamentous networks around the cells.

[9] Matrilin-3 has also been shown to increase collagen II and aggrecan, while reducing ADAMTS5 and MMP-13 in chondrocytes, which suggest that there is a reduction of hypertrophy caused by inflammation.

[9] The folding of the protein structure caused by MED-causing mutations, are most noticeably found in the B strands of the center of the vWFA domain.

[8] As Matrilin-3 is associated with skeletal diseases like Osteoarthritis, levels are shown to be increased and present in middle and deep cartilage zone, and possibly the subchondral bone as well.

[8] The main function of Matrilin-3 is to enhance Collagen II and aggrecan expression which is essential in maintaining the elasticity and strength of cartilage.