STC1

The protein encoded by the STC1 gene is stanniocalcin-1, commonly referred to as STC. It functions as a secreted glycoprotein involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis by inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption and regulating vitamin D metabolism. STC1 interacts with signaling pathways such as TGF-β and Wnt, influencing cell proliferation and differentiation. Aberrant STC1 expression is linked to various cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer, where it promotes tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Preclinical studies are investigating STC1 as a potential therapeutic target, with small-molecule inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies under development to disrupt its oncogenic functions.