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Harnessing changes in cellular glycosylation in new cancer treatment strategies

M V Dwek1, S A Brooks

  • 1Department of Molecular and Applied Biosciences, School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish St., London, W1W 6UW, UK. m.v.dwek@westminster.ac.uk

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|August 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells exhibit altered protein glycosylation, a common post-translational modification. Researchers are developing new analytical tools and therapies targeting these cancer-specific glycan structures for improved treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Post-translational modification of proteins, particularly glycosylation, is crucial for cellular function.
  • Aberrant glycosylation patterns are frequently observed in cancer cells, impacting disease progression.
  • The complexity of glycans has historically limited the detailed understanding of cancer-associated glycosylation changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of altered protein glycosylation in cancer.
  • To highlight advancements in analytical and molecular techniques for studying cancer glycosylation.
  • To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting cancer-specific glycans.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing advanced analytical tools for glycan structure identification.
  • Applying molecular techniques to characterize genes encoding glycosyltransferases.
  • Reviewing clinical trial data and preclinical research on glycan-targeted cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • Structural identification of several cancer-associated glycosylation changes is now possible.
  • Targeting cancer cell-surface glycans shows promise in clinical trials.
  • Development of immunotherapies and inhibitor-based strategies are advancing cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Advances in technology have improved the study of complex cancer glycosylation.
  • Targeting aberrant glycosylation represents a promising frontier in cancer therapy.
  • Further research into glycan mimics could aid in preventing cancer metastasis.

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