DPT (dermatopontin) is an extracellular matrix protein belonging to the dermatopontin family. Skin appears to be the richest source of dermatopontin,comprising about 15 mg/kg of the wet weight. Expression of dermatopontin is not limited to connective tissue,as investigations show that dermatopontin mRNA is expressed in cultured fibroblasts,muscle,heart,pancreas,and lung. Dermatopontin comprises a considerable proportion of the noncollagenous extracellular matrix proteins. It is involved in promotion of cellular adhesion,extracellular matrix assembly,wound healing,and positive modification of the growth inhibition activity of TGF-beta1.