Unlike other CLPs (chitinase-like proteins), Chitinase 3-like 2 (CHI3L2), has no hydrolase activity and therefore functions as a pseudo-chitinase. However, it binds to chitooligosaccharides and retains the chitinase-like ligand binding characteristics. Studies suggest th at CHI3L2 might act as a growth and differentiation factor in cartilage homeostasis. It might also aid the progression of osteoarthritis as its expression is increased in osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes. It regulates proliferation and differentiation in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human glioblastoma (U87 MG) cells via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. High levels of CHI3L2 mRNA have been detected in lung and heart and its expression is up regulated in glioblastomas.
