| thrombospondins | A family of related, adhesive glycoproteins which are synthesised, 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, tumour metastasis, vascular smooth muscle growth, and tissue repair. (12 Dec 1998) |
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