Matrix-matrix interaction of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and fibronectin.

Recent work indicates that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) plays an important role in extracellular matrix assembly and matrix-matrix protein interactions. In order to identify the proteins in extracellular matrix that interact with COMP, we used an ELISA-based solid-phase binding assay, which revealed a specific, high-affinity interaction between COMP and fibronectin. This interaction is concentration-dependent and saturable, and appears to occur under physiologically relevant conditions.