SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine), also known as Osteonectin or BM-40, is a matricellular protein that plays a crucial role in bone biology. It is one of the most abundant non-collagenous proteins in bone and is involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix assembly .
SPARC is known for its regulatory role in extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization, which is a key step in bone repair and remodeling. It affects the differentiation, maturation, and mineralization of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation . SPARC has a high affinity for type 1 collagen and hydroxylapatite (HA), which are essential components of the bone matrix .
Studies have shown that SPARC bidirectionally regulates osteoblast mineralization in a dose-dependent manner. It influences the expression of various genes and proteins involved in bone formation, such as bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) . Additionally, SPARC interacts with collagen and activates the P38 pathway, which is crucial for osteoblast function .