Thrombospondins

Medical Dictionary -> Thrombospondins

Thrombospondins


A family of related, adhesive glycoproteins which are synthesized, secreted, and incorporated into the extracellular matrix of a variety of cells, including alpha granules of platelets following thrombin activation and endothelial cells. They interact with a number of BLOOD COAGULATION FACTORS and anticoagulant factors. Five distinct forms have been identified, thrombospondin 1, -2, -3, -4, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). They are involved in cell adhesion, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, vascular smooth muscle growth, and tissue repair.


© MedicalDictionaryweb.com 2012 | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Teeth Whitening | Low Carb Foods and Diets