The expression and activity of thrombospondin are tightly regulated by various factors. Cytokines, growth factors, and environmental stresses can influence its production. For instance, the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) is known to upregulate thrombospondin expression. Conversely, hypoxia and certain oncogenes can downregulate its expression. Post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation and proteolytic cleavage, also play a role in regulating thrombospondin activity.
