SPARC in cancer biology: its role in cancer progression and potential for therapy

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Isabella T Tai1, Michelle J Tang

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada. itai@bcgsc.ca

Drug Resistance Updates : Reviews and Commentaries in Antimicrobial and Anticancer Chemotherapy
|October 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) plays a dual role in cancer, potentially suppressing or promoting tumor growth depending on cancer type. SPARC also shows promise in overcoming therapy resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein involved in cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions.
  • SPARC exhibits context-dependent functions, influencing cell adhesion and growth inhibition in normal cells.
  • Its complex role in cancer necessitates further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of SPARC in various cancer types.
  • To explore SPARC's impact on tumor progression and aggressiveness.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of SPARC in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating SPARC in cancer biology.
  • Analysis of research on SPARC's association with tumor phenotype.
  • Examination of studies on SPARC's role in therapy resistance and sensitization.

Main Results:

  • SPARC expression correlates with aggressive phenotypes in melanomas and gliomas.
  • SPARC may act as a tumor suppressor in ovarian, neuroblastoma, and colorectal cancers.
  • SPARC has demonstrated potential in sensitizing therapy-resistant cancers.

Conclusions:

  • SPARC exhibits complex, cancer-type-specific roles in tumor progression.
  • Understanding SPARC's dual function is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
  • SPARC represents a potential therapeutic target for enhancing treatment efficacy, particularly in resistant cancers.

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