Sclerostin, also known as SOST, is a member of the Cerberus/DAN family of BMP antagonists. SOST is asecreted glycoprotein with a C-terminal cysteine knot-like (CTCK) domain. It shows sequence similarity to the DAN (differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma) family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists. SOST is produced by the osteocyte and has anti-anabolic effects on bone formation. It is a negative regulator of bone growth that acts through inhibition of Wnt signaling and bone formation.
Acrosomal Protein SP-10 is a testis-specific differentiation antigen that is associated with acrosomal membranes and matrix of mature sperm. It has been detected in several species including humans. Acrosomal Protein SP-10 may be involved in sperm-zona binding or penetration as a potential contraceptive vaccine immunogen for humans. ACRV1 is also a intra-acrosomal protein that is considered to be a vaccine candidate for immunocontraception.
Surfactant protein A (SFTPA1) , a member of the collagenous lectin (collectin) family , was first described as a major constituent of lung surfactant but has recently also been found in the female genital tract. Various microorganisms colonize this area and may cause intrauterine infection or trigger preterm labor. The Human SFTPA1 and SFTPA2 genes encode SP-A1 and SP-2 proteins , and each gene has been identified with numerous genetic variants. SP-A1 and SP-A2 differentially enhance bacterial phagocytosis. Sex differences have been observed in pulmonary disease and survival of wild type and SP-A knockout (KO) mice. SP-A interacts and regulates many of the functions of alveolar macrophages (AM). It is shown that SP-A variants differ in their ability to regulate the AM miRNome in response to oxidative stress (OxS).
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), also known as Osteonectin (ON), is a member of the SPARC family. SPARC consists of three domains: an EF-hand domain, a follistatin-like domain and a Kazal-like domain, and each of which has independent activity and unique properties. The activity of SPARC is context-and cell-type-dependent, which is highlighted by the fact that SPARC has shown seemingly contradictory effects on tumor progression in both clinical correlative studies and in animal models. The location of SPARC in the nuclear matrix of certain proliferating cells, but only in the cytosol of postmitotic neurons, indicates potential functions of SPARC as a nuclear protein, which might be involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and mitosis. It functions not only to modulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, but its de-adhesive and growth inhibitory properties in non-transformed cells have led to studies to assess its role in cancer. Its divergent actions reflect the complexity of this protein, because in certain types of cancers, such as melanomas and gliomas, SPARC is associated with a highly aggressive tumor phenotype, while in others, mainly ovarian, neuroblastomas and colorectal cancers, SPARC may function as a tumor suppressor. Recent studies have also demonstrated a role for SPARC in sensitizing therapy-resistant cancers. Notably, SPARC is linked to human obesity.
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