Syndecan-2 (SDC2) (SDC2)

Syndecan-2 (SDC2) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that serves as a critical co-receptor for various growth factors and extracellular matrix components (UniProt: P34741). It plays a fundamental role in regulating cell adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis and tissue repair (PubMed: 25614315). In clinical oncology, SDC2 mRNA expression and gene methylation are highly significant; specifically, SDC2 promoter hypermethylation is a validated, non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of colorectal cancer (PubMed: 28807513). Beyond its role as a biomarker, SDC2 is considered a therapeutic target because its overexpression in the tumor microenvironment promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis (PubMed: 30217941). Experimental strategies targeting SDC2 mRNA, such as siRNA-mediated knockdown, aim to reduce the levels of the pro-tumorigenic protein to inhibit cancer progression (PubMed: 23454153). While most SDC2-directed therapies are in the preclinical stage, the molecule remains a high-interest target for both diagnostic assays and novel RNA-based or immunological interventions (PubMed: 34103345).

Other names

CD362FibroglycanHSPGSYND2Heparan sulfate proteoglycan 1Syndecan-2 mRNA

RNA interference (siRNA) for post-transcriptional gene silencing; Methylation-specific PCR for diagnostic detection of promoter hypermethylation; Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell mediated cytotoxicity.