Fig 7. Model for regulatory mechanism of ASPN and DCN: We have proposed a Schematic illustration of the mechanism based on our conclusion.

A. In normal gastric epithelium, ASPN is not present in the tumor microenvironment, DCN exerts its inhibitor activity by binding with TGFβ ligand, thereby, impede TGFβ signaling cascade and subsequent EMT, angiogenesis. (B). In GC tissue, DCN expression is lacking, ASPN binds with TGFβ ligand, triggers the canonical pathway by phosphorylating Smad2 and Smad3. Phosphorylated Smads translocate to the nucleus and activates EMT and angiogenesis. Blunted lines, inhibition; dotted line, activation; cross, disrupted interaction.