Probably plays a role in cartilage scaffolding. May act by antagonizing TGF-beta1 (TGFB1) and IGF1 functions. Has the ability to suppress IGF1-induced proliferation and sulfated proteoglycan synthesis, and inhibits ligand-induced IGF1R autophosphorylation. May inhibit TGFB1-mediated induction of cartilage matrix genes via its interaction with TGFB1. Overexpression may lead to impair chondrocyte growth and matrix repair and indirectly promote inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) supersaturation in aging and osteoarthritis cartilage (By similarity). Monomer. Interacts with TGFB1 (By similarity). Expressed in articular and meniscal cartilage (at protein level). Primarily localizes to the superficial and intermediate zones of articular cartilage (at protein level). Detected in articular cartilage from 8 weeks of age, but not at earlier stages (at protein level). Cleaved into 2 chains possibly by a furin-like protease upon or preceding secretion.