SPARC: A Potential Drug Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Target Name: SPARC

NCBI ID: G6678

SPARC: A Potential Drug Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases

SPARC (Secured Protein Acidic and Cysteine-rich) is a protein that is found in various cell types in the human body. It is made up of four amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. Cysteine is the most abundant of these amino acids, and it is the amino acid that gives SPARC its name.

SPARC has been identified as a potential drug target in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Its unique structure and the way it interacts with other proteins make it an attractive target for drug developers.

SPARC is involved in many different cellular processes in the body, including the regulation of enzyme activity and the detoxification of harmful substances. It is also involved in the formation of new blood vessels, which is important for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

SPARC has also been shown to play a role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. It is thought to do this by participating in the breakdown of damaged cells and the formation of new ones, as well as by contributing to the development of neurodegenerate plaques.

SPARC is also a good candidate as a biomarker for monitoring the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Its level can be measured in the blood, which makes it a non-invasive test for monitoring the effects of a drug on the brain. This can be important for identifying potential drug targets and for understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

In conclusion, SPARC is a protein that is worth investigating as a drug target or biomarker. Its unique structure and the way it interacts with other proteins make it an attractive target for drug developers. Further research is needed to understand its role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as its potential as a biomarker for these conditions.

Protein Name: Secreted Protein Acidic And Cysteine Rich

Functions: Appears to regulate cell growth through interactions with the extracellular matrix and cytokines. Binds calcium and copper, several types of collagen, albumin, thrombospondin, PDGF and cell membranes. There are two calcium binding sites; an acidic domain that binds 5 to 8 Ca(2+) with a low affinity and an EF-hand loop that binds a Ca(2+) ion with a high affinity

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