Colorimetric heparinase assay for alternative anti-metastatic activity

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Heparanase is linked to tumor cell metastasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis.
• Existing heparanase activity assays have limitations in biological sample application, sensitivity, and product separation.
• Heparinase-generated disaccharides mimic heparan sulfate-derived products from mammalian heparanase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, alternative colorimetric assay for heparinase inhibition.
• To identify potential inhibitors of heparanase activity.
• To evaluate the anti-metastatic effects of identified compounds.

Main Methods:

• Developed a colorimetric heparinase assay based on bacterial heparinase.
• Determined concentrations of porcine heparin and bacterial heparinase I using a Sigma Diagnostics Kit.
• Screened Morus alba extract, purified resveratrol, and evaluated its effect on pulmonary metastasis in murine B16 melanoma cells.

Main Results:

• A novel colorimetric heparinase assay was successfully developed.
• Resveratrol was identified and purified from Morus alba extract as a potential heparinase inhibitor.
• Resveratrol demonstrated anti-metastatic effects on pulmonary metastasis of murine B16 melanoma cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed assay serves as a useful diagnostic tool for heparinase inhibition.
• Resveratrol shows promise as an anti-metastatic agent by targeting heparinase.
• This assay provides an alternative strategy for developing anti-metastatic therapies.