Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) (STC1)

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is a secreted glycoprotein hormone that plays a vital role in maintaining mineral homeostasis and protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Originally discovered in fish, mammalian STC1 is widely expressed and functions primarily through paracrine and autocrine signaling to regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics, specifically by inducing uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) (UniProt: P52823). In the field of ophthalmology, STC1 has emerged as a significant regulator of intraocular pressure (IOP), where it facilitates uveoscleral outflow, offering a potential therapeutic pathway for treating glaucoma (PubMed: 24501021). Beyond the eye, STC1 exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (PubMed: 21844396). It is also implicated in various cancers, where it can promote cell survival and angiogenesis, suggesting a complex role in disease progression. Therapeutic strategies currently focus on utilizing recombinant STC1 or modulating its endogenous pathways to treat inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

Other names

STCSTC-1

Stanniocalcin-1 acts as a paracrine and autocrine hormone that modulates mitochondrial function by inducing uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (PubMed: 29153461). In the eye, it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow (PubMed: 24501021) and exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting macrophage activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (PubMed: 21844396).