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Published on: June 2, 2022
Heparanase: one molecule with multiple functions in cancer progression
Israel Vlodavsky1, Michael Elkin, Ghada Abboud-Jarrous
1Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
Connective Tissue Research
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Heparanase, an enzyme linked to cancer metastasis, is a promising anticancer drug target. Inhibiting this enzyme shows potential for effective cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mammalian heparanase is an endoglycosidase that degrades heparan sulfate.
- It is synthesized as a latent precursor and processed into active subunits.
- Heparanase expression is linked to cancer progression and patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of heparanase in cancer.
- To evaluate heparanase as a potential anticancer drug target.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of heparanase synthesis and processing.
- Correlation of heparanase expression with tumor characteristics.
- Assessment of heparanase levels in cancer patients' urine and plasma.
- Evaluation of heparanase gene silencing and inhibitor effects.
Main Results:
- Heparanase expression correlates with tumor metastasis, vascularity, and reduced survival.
- Elevated heparanase levels are found in cancer patients.
- Anticancer effects observed with heparanase gene silencing and inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Heparanase plays a significant role in cancer progression.
- Targeting heparanase presents a promising strategy for anticancer drug development.
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