May affect the rate of fibrils formation (By similarity). May be implicated in the dilatation of the rat cervix. Binds to type I and type II collagen, fibronectin and TGF-beta. Forms a ternary complex with MFAP2 and ELN. Interacts with DPT (By similarity). The amount of DSPG per cervix increases 4-fold during pregnancy, then falls precipitously within 1 day post partum. The attached glycosaminoglycan chain can be either chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate depending upon the tissue of origin. Belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family. SLRP class I subfamily.