THBS1 is a large secreted matricellular glycoprotein that regulates cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions rather than serving a structural ECM role. In cancer, THBS1 is a context-dependent regulator that can act as a tumor suppressor (anti-angiogenic, pro-apoptotic) or, in certain microenvironments, a tumor promoter (immune suppression, invasion support).
Expression Patterns in Cancer
-High in early lesions or stressed tumors
-Variable in advanced cancers:
-Low THBS1 → angiogenesis-dominant growth
-High THBS1 → immune-excluded, fibrotic tumors
Thus, THBS1 expression often reflects tumor evolutionary stage, not simply aggressiveness.
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