The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the thrombospondin family. It is a disulfide-linked homotrimeric glycoprotein that mediates cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions. The role of the protein in cancer is controversial, contrasting studies show positive and negative roles for cancer development. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggest that this protein may modulate the cell surface properties of mesenchymal cells and be involved in cell adhesion and migration.[6]
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LaBell TL, Byers PH (Jul 1993). "Sequence and characterization of the complete human thrombospondin 2 cDNA: potential regulatory role for the 3' untranslated region". Genomics. 17 (1): 225–9. doi:10.1006/geno.1993.1308. PMID8406456.
Adolph KW, Liska DJ, Bornstein P (Jul 1997). "Analysis of the promoter and transcription start sites of the human thrombospondin 2 gene (THBS2)". Gene. 193 (1): 5–11. doi:10.1016/S0378-1119(97)00070-X. PMID9249061.
Adolph KW (May 1999). "Relative abundance of thrombospondin 2 and thrombospondin 3 mRNAs in human tissues". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 258 (3): 792–6. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1999.0710. PMID10329465.
Carron JA, Bowler WB, Wagstaff SC, Gallagher JA (Sep 1999). "Expression of members of the thrombospondin family by human skeletal tissues and cultured cells". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 263 (2): 389–91. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1999.1380. PMID10491303.