TSP2 null mice are viable and fertile but display connective tissue abnormalities associated with a defect in collagen fibrillogenesis that manifests as fragile skin, lax tendons and ligaments. Several defects have been reported in responses of TSP2 null mice to specific stresses. Nulls have an enhanced cutaneous inflammatory response, increased endosteal bone density, increased vascular density in dermis, adipose and thymus, a prolonged bleeding time. Fibroblasts isolated from TSP2 nulls are defective in adhesion. In response-to-injury models, TSP2 null mice have an increased vascularity of wounds with a concomitant increase in activity of MMP2 and MMP9 and demonstrate enhanced wound repair.

Transgenic mouse models support the tumor suppressor activity of THBS2. Tumor progression of chemically-induced skin cancer is accelerated in TSP2 null mice, and there is an increased rate of lymph node metastases. The correlated increase in vessel density and size in these nulls also supports a suppressive role for TSP2. Tumor growth and angiogenesis are delayed and decreased when TSP2 is overexpressed in this model. Mouse models have also been used to explore therapeutic use of TSP2 to limit tumor growth and angiogenesis. These utilize a cell-based approach wherein TSP2 cDNA is transfected into a variety of cells including: glioblastoma, fibrosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and breast carcinoma cells. In turn, these TSP2 overexpressing cells when injected subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice exhibit decreased tumor growth and angiogenesis.