Expression of thrombospondin-1 in cancer: a role in tumor progression

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1996 Jul;212(3):199-207. doi: 10.3181/00379727-212-44008.

Abstract

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a trimeric high molecular weight glycoprotein, is one of the major secreted proteins of human platelets and an extracellular matrix component of a variety of cells including vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells. TSP-1 has been shown to be highly expressed in human malignant tissues and present in higher than normal levels in the plasma of cancer patients. TSP-1 has also been shown to promote hematogenous tumor spread, tumor cell adhesion and invasion, and angiogenesis. Overall these studies provide compelling evidence for the conclusion that TSP-1 plays an important role in tumor progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • CD36 Antigens / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / biosynthesis*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / pharmacology
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / pharmacology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Thrombospondins
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • CD36 Antigens
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Thrombospondins