SPARC Protein (SPARC) Human Active Protein

This gene encodes a cysteine-rich acidic matrix-associated protein. The encoded protein is required for the collagen in bone to become calcified but is also involved in extracellular matrix synthesis and promotion of changes to cell shape. The gene product has been associated with tumor suppression but has also been correlated with metastasis based on changes to cell shape which can promote tumor cell invasion. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2015]

SPARC: Appears to regulate cell growth through interactions with the extracellular matrix and cytokines. Binds calcium and copper, several types of collagen, albumin, thrombospondin, PDGF and cell membranes. There are two calcium binding sites; an acidic domain that binds 5 to 8 Ca(2+) with a low affinity and an EF-hand loop that binds a Ca(2+) ion with a high affinity. Belongs to the SPARC family.

Protein type: Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 5q33.1

Cellular Component: cell surface; cytoplasm; extracellular region; extracellular space; mitochondrion; nuclear matrix; plasma membrane; platelet alpha granule membrane

Molecular Function: calcium ion binding; collagen binding; extracellular matrix binding; protein binding

Biological Process: extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; negative regulation of angiogenesis; negative regulation of endothelial cell proliferation; platelet degranulation; receptor-mediated endocytosis; regulation of cell morphogenesis

Disease: Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Type Xvii