Spondin-1 (SPON1)

Spondin-1 (SPON1) is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that plays critical roles in neural development, axon guidance, and cell adhesion[1][2][3]. Structurally, it contains six thrombospondin domains, a reelin domain, and a spondin domain, conferring properties required for neural patterning and neurite outgrowth[2]. It is found predominantly in the extracellular space and collagen-containing extracellular matrix and is expressed in smooth muscle, neural tissues, and various others[1][5]. SPON1 is involved in negative regulation of amyloid-beta formation and modulates amyloid precursor protein metabolism, implicating it in Alzheimer’s disease risk[1][3]. It also regulates bone and periodontal tissue differentiation, cartilage metabolism, and has been implicated in tumor progression (notably in ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic cancers) as well as drug metabolism (notably methadone) and fertility[1][4][6]. SPON1 and its variants serve as prognostic biomarkers in cancer and neurodegenerative disease research[1][3].

Other names

F-spondinVSGPKIAA0762vascular smooth muscle cell growth-promoting factorVSGP/F-spondinspondin 1spondin-1f-spondinextracellular matrix protein

Not fully established; SPON1 variants affect methadone plasma levels (pharmacokinetics/pharmacogenomics). May indirectly modulate drug response by influencing neural or metabolic pathways[1].