Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2)

Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) is a secreted, disulfide-linked homodimeric glycoprotein hormone with structural similarities to its paralog stanniocalcin-1, but with unique regions and functions[1][2][4][6]. Broadly expressed across mammalian tissues, STC2 is principally involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, cytoprotection against cellular stressors, and modulation of growth and metabolic pathways. STC2 suppresses phosphate reabsorption in kidneys by downregulating sodium-phosphate transporters, influences bone growth by regulating IGF1 bioactivity, and modulates cell proliferation, migration, and immune responses. It plays essential roles in cellular adaptation to stress, notably hypoxia and ER stress, through interactions with key signaling pathways. STC2 expression is upregulated in various cancers, where it promotes tumor proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, making it a potential cancer biomarker and emerging therapeutic target—though direct clinically approved drugs targeting STC2 are not yet reported[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

Stanniocalcin-2STC2STC-2Stanniocalcin-related proteinSTC-related proteinSTCRP

Modulation of cell survival pathways (e.g., MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Jun-Axl-Erk signaling); Promotion of cell proliferation and cell cycle progression; Inhibition of phosphate transporter activity in the kidney; Inhibition of bone growth via IGF1 pathway regulation (by binding and inhibiting PAPPA, thus modulating IGF1 bioavailability)