Introduction to THBS4, A Potential Drug Target (G7060)

Target Name: THBS4

NCBI ID: G7060

THBS4

Introduction to THBS4, A Potential Drug Target

THBS4 (thrombospondin-4) is an extracellular matrix protein that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is known to be involved in tissue development, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Given its significant impact on cellular functions, THBS4 has emerged as an important drug target and biomarker for several diseases. In this article, we will explore the role of THBS4 as a drug target and biomarker and discuss its implications in disease diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of THBS4

THBS4 belongs to the thrombospondin family, which consists of five secreted glycoproteins. It is primarily expressed in the extracellular matrix of various tissues, including connective tissues, cartilage, and blood vessels. THBS4 is involved in modulating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and tissue remodeling processes.

THBS4 as a Drug Target

The dysregulation of THBS4 expression has been associated with several diseases, making it an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. In cancer, overexpression of THBS4 has been observed in various types, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that THBS4 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis through its interactions with other cellular proteins and signaling pathways.

Targeting THBS4 in cancer treatment has shown promising results. In preclinical studies, inhibiting THBS4 expression or activity through targeted therapies has led to decreased tumor growth, suppressed angiogenesis, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. These findings highlight the potential of THBS4 as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

Furthermore, THBS4 has also been implicated in fibrotic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. In pulmonary fibrosis, THBS4 expression is upregulated in fibrotic lung tissue. Inhibiting THBS4 has been shown to reduce collagen deposition and attenuate fibrosis progression. In cardiovascular diseases, THBS4 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Thus, targeting THBS4 in these conditions may offer new treatment strategies.

THBS4 as a Biomarker

Beyond its role as a drug target, THBS4 has emerged as a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. High levels of THBS4 have been detected in the plasma or serum of patients with several cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. This suggests that THBS4 could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring.

In pancreatic cancer, THBS4 has shown promise as a prognostic biomarker. Increased THBS4 expression in tumor tissues has been associated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival rates. Consequently, THBS4 expression analysis may help identify high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment approaches.

Moreover, THBS4 levels have also been found to be elevated in fibrotic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Monitoring THBS4 levels in patients with IPF could aid in disease progression assessment and treatment response evaluation.

Conclusion

THBS4 plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, making it a valuable drug target and biomarker. The dysregulation of THBS4 expression has been associated with cancer progression, fibrotic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Targeting THBS4 through specific therapies has shown promise in preclinical studies, providing potential avenues for treatment development.

Furthermore, THBS4 has the potential to serve as a biomarker for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response assessment. Its elevated levels in the blood of cancer patients suggest its utility as a non-invasive tool for cancer detection and monitoring. Additionally, THBS4 expression in tumor tissues may serve as a prognostic indicator in pancreatic cancer.

Overall, THBS4 holds immense therapeutic and diagnostic potential, making it an exciting area of research. Further studies are needed to unravel the intricacies of its molecular mechanisms and validate its effectiveness as a drug target and biomarker in various diseases.

Protein Name: Thrombospondin 4

Functions: Adhesive glycoprotein that mediates cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions and is involved in various processes including cellular proliferation, migration, adhesion and attachment, inflammatory response to CNS injury, regulation of vascular inflammation and adaptive responses of the heart to pressure overload and in myocardial function and remodeling. Binds to structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and modulates the ECM in response to tissue damage, contributing to cardioprotective and adaptive ECM remodeling. Plays a role in ER stress response, via its interaction with the activating transcription factor 6 alpha (ATF6) which produces adaptive ER stress response factors and protects myocardium from pressure overload. May contribute to spinal presynaptic hypersensitivity and neuropathic pain states after peripheral nerve injury. May play a role in regulating protective astrogenesis from the subventricular zone (SVZ) niche after injury in a NOTCH1-dependent manner (By similarity)

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