Matriptase and its putative role in cancer |
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Authors: | K Uhland |
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Institution: | (1) Curacyte Discovery GmbH, Deutscher Platz 5d, 04103 Leipzig, Germany |
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Abstract: | Tumor progression and metastasis are the pathologic effects of uncontrolled or deregulated invasive growth, a process in which
proteases play a fundamental role. They mediate the degradation of extracellular matrix components and intercellular cohesive
structures to allow migration of the cells into the extracellular environment and activate growth and angiogenic factors.
In addition to metalloproteases and the plasminogen activation system, another protease, matriptase, contributes substantially
to these processes. Matriptase is a type II transmembrane trypsin-like serine protease that is expressed by cells of epithelial
origin and is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. It has been suggested that this protease not only facilitates cellular
invasiveness but may also activate oncogenic pathways. This review summarizes current knowledge about matriptase, its putative
role in tumor initiation and progression, and its potential as a novel target in anti-cancer therapy.
Received 29 June 2006; received after revision 1 August 2006; accepted 19 September 2006 |
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Keywords: | Matriptase MT-SP1 protease cancer inhibitor |
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