The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the thrombospondin family. It is a disulfide-linked homotrimeric glycoprotein that mediates cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions. This protein has been shown to function as a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Studies of the mouse c
ounterpart suggest that this protein may modulate the cell surface properties of mesenchymal cells and be involved in cell adhesion and migration. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]