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Coagulation proteases and human cancer
1Department of Surgical Oncology and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, U.K. m.t.sampson_uk@hotmail.com
Biochemical Society Transactions
|May 25, 2002
Summary
Tumours activate blood coagulation using procoagulant molecules, initiating clotting cascades. This process influences tumour growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via protease signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Tumours express procoagulant molecules like tissue factor, cancer procoagulant, and hepsin.
- These molecules initiate the blood coagulation cascade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of tumour-induced coagulation in cancer progression.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms linking coagulation proteases to tumour cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of procoagulant molecule expression in tumour cells.
- Investigation of clotting cascade activation by tumour-derived factors.
- Assessment of protease-activated receptor (PAR) and tissue factor signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Tumour expression of procoagulant factors triggers the coagulation cascade.
- Activated serine proteases (factor VIIa, factor Xa, thrombin) are generated.
- These proteases modulate tumour cell gene expression through PARs and tissue factor.
Conclusions:
- Tumour-associated blood coagulation plays a significant role in cancer progression.
- Coagulation proteases influence key cancer hallmarks including growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.