Thrombospondin-4 (THBS4)

Thrombospondin-4 (THBS4, also known as TSP4 or TSP-4) is a matricellular glycoprotein found in the extracellular matrix, primarily functioning as an adaptor protein influencing the structural organization and remodeling of connective tissues. It is distinct among the thrombospondin family for promoting angiogenesis, reducing fibrosis, and modulating tissue remodeling in the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. THBS4 is structurally a homopentamer, binds collagen types I, II, III, and V, and interacts with a variety of ECM and cell surface proteins, playing crucial roles in cell adhesion, migration, and adaptive responses to tissue injury. Its expression is upregulated in conditions like cardiac stress, vascular inflammation, nervous system injury, and some cancers, implicating it in major pathologies including heart disease, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and tissue regeneration. Currently, no direct drugs target THBS4, but its roles as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in tissue remodeling and inflammation are being explored.

Other names

Thrombospondin-4THBS4TSP4TSP-4

No drugs with validated mechanisms of action targeting Thrombospondin-4 in clinical use; basic research suggests modulation of ECM remodeling and inflammation.