Chst11, or carbohydrate (chondroitin 4) sulfotransferase-11, is a Golgi membrane protein that catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to position 4 of the N-acetylgalactosamine residues of chondroitin. Chondroitin sulfate, whose sulfation is mediated by Chst11, is a predominant proteoglycan in cartilage, playing a crucial role in the developing growth plate of cartilage [5]. It is also involved in various biological processes and diseases through its impact on chondroitin sulfate modification.

Chst11-deficient mouse models have severe chondrodysplasia, congenital arthritis and neonatal lethality, highlighting its crucial role in skeletal morphogenesis [5]. In human studies, a homozygous deletion in CHST11 was found in a consanguineous Pakistani kindred with limb malformations and skeletal defects, further confirming its role in skeletal development [5]. In cancer research, CHST11 is frequently overexpressed in glioblastoma, promoting cell mobility. Targeting CHST11-derived chondroitin 4-sulfate with a specific binding peptide improved the survival rate of orthotopic glioma cell transplant mice [1]. In lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, CHST11 levels are elevated, and it contributes to tumor malignancy and fibrotic activator promotion. Analyses suggest the CHST11/integrin axis could be a therapeutic target [2]. In pancreatic cancer, high CHST11 expression correlates with poor prognosis and tumor immune infiltration [3]. In breast cancer, its expression is higher in basal-like and Her2-amplified cell lines, and is controlled by DNA methylation [4]. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma, CHST11 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion [6].

In conclusion, Chst11 is essential for skeletal development as demonstrated by animal models. In disease areas, especially cancer, its abnormal expression is associated with tumor progression, immune infiltration and prognosis, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. The study of Chst11 knockout mouse models has provided valuable insights into its function in normal development and disease conditions.