Caldesmon has clinical significance in several contexts: 1. Cancer Diagnosis: Overexpression or altered expression of caldesmon has been observed in cancers such as leiomyosarcoma and other smooth muscle tumors, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. 2. Smooth Muscle Disorders: Abnormal caldesmon function can contribute to disorders of smooth muscle contractility, such as asthma and hypertension. 3. Drug Target: Due to its regulatory role in muscle contraction, caldesmon is a potential target for drugs aimed at treating smooth muscle-related diseases.
