Omics Overview of the SPARC Gene in Mesothelioma

Abstract

The SPARC gene plays multiple roles in extracellular matrix synthesis and cell shaping, associated with tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. The SPARC gene is also involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which is a critical phenomenon leading to a more aggressive cancer cell phenotype. SPARC gene overexpression has shown to be associated with poor survival in the mesothelioma (MESO) cohort from the TCGA database, indicating that this gene may be a powerful prognostic factor in MESO. Its overexpression is correlated with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the omics advances of the SPARC gene, including the summary of SPARC gene expression associated with prognosis in pancancer and MESO, the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and cancer cell stemness. In addition, SPARC might be targeted by microRNAs. Notably, despite the controversial functions on angiogenesis, SPARC may directly or indirectly contribute to tumor angiogenesis in MESO. In conclusion, SPARC is involved in tumor invasion, metastasis, immunosuppression, cancer cell stemness, and tumor angiogenesis, eventually impacting patient survival. Strategies targeting this gene may provide novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of MESO.