Function
Thrombospondin (TSP) are glycoproteins released in response to thrombin stimulation. TSP is a transient component of extracellular matrix in developing tissues[1].
Relevance
TSP-1 and TSP-2 are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis and thus are studied in cancer treatments[2].
Disease
TSP-2 mutation is associated with coronary artery disease[3].
Structural highlights
The N-terminal of TSP-1 mediates its interaction with integrins during cell adhesion, with lipoproteinreceptor-related protein during uptake and clearance and with fibrinogen during platelet aggregation. The arginine side chains of the N-terminal interact with the heparin sulfate groups[4].
