Vasorin (VASN)

Vasorin (VASN), also known as SLIT-like 2 (SLITL2), is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and during development, particularly in the cardiovascular and skeletal systems[1][2][3][6]. The mature protein contains leucine-rich repeat, EGF-like, and fibronectin type III domains, with a form shed from the cell surface by ADAM17[1]. Soluble vasorin binds TGF-beta isoforms, serving as a ligand trap, impeding TGF-beta signaling, and influencing responses such as vessel repair and epithelial-mesenchymal transition[1][4]. Vasorin is frequently overexpressed in some cancers (glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer), where it correlates with aggressiveness, angiogenesis, and poor survival; in glioma and hepatocellular carcinoma models, antagonism of VASN reduces proliferation and migration[2][5]. No approved drugs target vasorin clinically, though antagonistic antibodies and peptide mimotopes are under experimental investigation[2]. Measurement of serum vasorin, or tumor tissue expression, may serve as a biomarker for certain cancers[1][5].

Other names

SLIT-like 2SLITL2Protein slit-like 2UNQ314/PRO357/PRO1282Vasorinslit-like 2

Inhibition of VASN function (e.g., via antibody-mediated antagonism) leads to reduced tumor cell proliferation and migration[2]. Molecules that interfere with VASN-TGF-beta interaction could modulate its effects on cell signaling and proliferation[1][2].