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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 28, 2014; 20(40): 14747-14759
Published online Oct 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14747
Published online Oct 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14747
SIBLINGs and SPARC families: Their emerging roles in pancreatic cancer
Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu, Visiting Scientist at Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yeditepe, 34755 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Turkey
Martin R Berger, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Author contributions: Kaleağasıoğlu F and Berger MR contributed equally to this work and wrote the review.
Correspondence to: Martin R Berger, Professor, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. m.berger@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Telephone: +49-6221-423310 Fax: +49-6221-423313
Received: October 23, 2013
Revised: April 19, 2014
Accepted: May 23, 2014
Published online: October 28, 2014
Revised: April 19, 2014
Accepted: May 23, 2014
Published online: October 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: In this article we review the evidence that the protein families “small integrin binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins” (SIBLINGs) and “secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine” (SPARC) modulate functions like proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, wound repair, and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling. Moreover they play significant roles throughout each stage of pancreatic cancer formation and progression. We discuss, with special reference to osteopontin and osteonectin, how SIBLING and SPARC proteins have attracted growing importance as diagnostic and prognostic tools and discuss their fascinating potential as therapeutic targets.