THSD7A
THSD7A (thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A, also known as KIAA0960) is a membrane-associated and secreted protein found almost exclusively in endothelial cells from placenta and umbilical cord. It is linked to endothelial cell migration, filopodia formation and cytoskeletal organisation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of THSD7A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
THSD7A influences how endothelial cells move and organise their cytoskeleton. UniProt reports that the soluble form promotes endothelial cell migration and filopodia formation during sprouting angiogenesis through a FAK-dependent mechanism. The NCBI Gene summary describes a related picture in which the encoded protein appears to interact with alpha(V)beta(3) integrin and paxillin to inhibit endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and may be involved in cytoskeletal organisation. Together these descriptions place THSD7A at the interface between integrin-associated adhesion complexes and angiogenic behaviour, and the effect may depend on the form of the protein studied.
The THSD7A gene encodes thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A, a protein of 1,657 amino acids. UniProt lists its subcellular locations as the cell membrane, cell projections and the extracellular space, consistent with the existence of both membrane-bound and soluble forms. According to NCBI, expression is found almost exclusively in endothelial cells from placenta and umbilical cord. The mouse ortholog is Thsd7a, which allows the biology to be examined in rodent models.
The gene was previously catalogued as KIAA0960, and the name now reflects its thrombospondin type 1 domain. NCBI notes that variations in the THSD7A gene may be associated with low bone mineral density in osteoporosis. Researchers studying THSD7A commonly work on angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, integrin and focal adhesion signalling, and placental vascular biology. A related thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing protein, THSD1, is also of interest for comparison.
The soluble form of THSD7A promotes endothelial cell migration and filopodia formation during sprouting angiogenesis, making it relevant to vessel formation studies.
THSD7A acts through a FAK-dependent mechanism and appears to interact with alpha(V)beta(3) integrin and paxillin, linking it to adhesion signalling.
Expression is found almost exclusively in endothelial cells from placenta and umbilical cord, which makes THSD7A a useful focus for placental vascular research.
Variations in the THSD7A gene may be associated with low bone mineral density in osteoporosis, supporting genetic and skeletal studies.
UniProt reports that the soluble form of THSD7A promotes endothelial cell migration and filopodia formation during sprouting angiogenesis via a FAK-dependent mechanism. NCBI describes it as appearing to interact with alpha(V)beta(3) integrin and paxillin to inhibit endothelial migration and tube formation, and it may contribute to cytoskeletal organisation.
THSD7A is the approved HGNC symbol for thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A. The gene was formerly known as KIAA0960. UniProt names the protein thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A, and it exists in membrane-associated and secreted forms.
A mouse ortholog, Thsd7a, is recorded for the human gene. NCBI notes that variations in THSD7A may be associated with low bone mineral density in osteoporosis. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing proteins and related targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9UPZ6; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.