Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) (MFAP5)

Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5), also known as Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 2 (MAGP2), is a secreted 25-kDa glycoprotein that serves as a critical component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) (UniProt P55001). It plays a significant role in the assembly and maintenance of microfibrils and interacts with various signaling pathways, including Notch and integrin-mediated pathways, to regulate cell adhesion and angiogenesis (PubMed: 25103441). In the context of oncology, MFAP5 is frequently overexpressed in the stroma of various solid tumors, such as ovarian and breast cancers, where it promotes tumor progression, chemoresistance, and metastasis (PubMed: 30655535). Research into targeting MFAP5 mRNA via RNA interference (siRNA) or the protein via monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated potential in reducing tumor growth and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in preclinical models (PubMed: 24463451). As a therapeutic target, MFAP5 is particularly attractive due to its localized expression in the tumor microenvironment and its multifaceted role in supporting malignancy. However, therapeutic development must account for its physiological role in maintaining elastic fiber integrity in healthy tissues like the lungs and vasculature (NCBI Gene: 8076). Current experimental approaches focus on disrupting the MFAP5-Notch1 and MFAP5-integrin signaling axes to sensitize tumors to standard-of-care treatments. Overall, MFAP5 represents a promising stromal target for addressing advanced-stage cancers and overcoming therapeutic resistance.

Other names

Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 2MAGP2MAGP-2MFAP-5

RNA interference-mediated degradation of MFAP5 mRNA and monoclonal antibody-mediated inhibition of extracellular MFAP5 protein signaling.