SPARC

SPARC is a key factor in cell-matrix interactions and possibly tumour aggressiveness. The SPARC gene, which encodes a multifunctional glycoprotein with roles in tissue development, remodelling and fibrosis. A regulator of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, SPARC represents a major factor in the ECM remodelling occurring during tumour invasion. in silico analysis reveals 4 UTR-SNPs located in the 3 -UTR of the SPARC gene, corresponding to 1474 g a, 1551 g c, 1922 t g and 2072 c t changes, which are significantly associated with tumoral state of the tissue. Of all hits, the 2072 SPARC polymorphism had the best association with cancer.SPARC therefore is a gene involved in a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, tumor development and metastasis. SPARC variants have been detected in tumour samples of patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML).