SMOC2 - SPARC Related Modular Calcium Binding 2

This gene encodes a member of the SPARC family (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine/osteonectin/BM-40), which are highly expressed during embryogenesis and wound healing. The gene product is a matricellular protein which promotes matrix assembly and can stimulate endothelial cell proliferation and migration, as well as angiogenic activity. Associated with pulmonary function, this secretory gene product contains a Kazal domain, two thymoglobulin type-1 domains, and two EF-hand calcium-binding domains. The encoded protein may serve as a target for controlling angiogenesis in tumor growth and myocardial ischemia. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]