Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:13
Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration
Published on: June 9, 2023
Protease signaling in tumor progression.
1Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. eric.camerer@ucsf.edu
Thrombosis Research
|November 21, 2007
Summary
Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are linked to cancer progression. Research suggests PARs may promote tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis, but their exact role in human cancers requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- G-protein coupled receptor signaling
- Cancer biology
- Protease-activated receptors (PARs)
Background:
- Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G-protein coupled receptors activated by serine proteases.
- PARs are involved in various physiological processes and can be activated by proteases like thrombin, intestinal proteases, and those from epithelial cells and granulocytes.
- Tumor cells and their microenvironment frequently express PARs and their agonists, suggesting a role in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential contribution of protease-activated receptors (PARs) to tumor progression.
- To explore the role of PAR signaling in cancer cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- To assess the correlation between PAR expression and malignancy in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies defining cellular responses to PAR activation.
- Analysis of PAR and agonist expression in tumor cells and stroma.
- Evaluation of PAR involvement in cancer using mouse models.
- Correlation analysis of PAR expression with malignancy in human cancers.
Main Results:
- In vitro data indicate PAR activation may promote tumor cell proliferation, survival, and malignant transformation.
- PAR activation can stimulate host endothelial cells and platelets, potentially promoting angiogenesis and metastasis.
- PAR expression correlates with malignancy in several human cancer types.
- Mouse models suggest a role for PARs in tumor invasion and hematogenous metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Protease signaling via PARs is implicated in tumor progression.
- PARs may contribute to key aspects of cancer biology, including proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Further research is needed to determine the definitive role of PARs in human tumor biology and their potential as malignancy markers.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
01:19Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...