Thrombospondin-2 (THBS2)

Thrombospondin-2 (THBS2) is a secreted matricellular glycoprotein of the thrombospondin family that mediates cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, primarily by binding integrins, proteoglycans, growth factors, and ECM components. It acts as a potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis and growth, regulates extracellular matrix remodeling, and modulates the bioavailability and activity of proteases and growth factors in pericellular environments. THBS2 plays an essential role in tissue repair, cartilage regeneration, bone development, and inhibiting pathological angiogenesis; it is highly expressed during tissue injury and in sites of active remodeling. Genetic disruption or abnormal expression is linked to connective tissue diseases, altered bone growth, increased angiogenesis, and defects in tissue repair. No approved drugs directly target THBS2, but it remains under investigation as both a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in cancer, fibrotic, and regenerative diseases.

Other names

Thrombospondin 2TSP2EDSCLL3THBS2thrombospondin-2

Thrombospondin-2 inhibits angiogenesis by binding to CD36 and sequestering FGF2. It modulates Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad, Notch, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways, influencing chondrogenesis and tissue repair. Additionally, it remodels the extracellular matrix and regulates matrix metalloproteinases (e.g., MMP2).