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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages
06:47

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Published on: May 24, 2019

Protease-activated receptors, apoptosis and tumor growth

Keren S Borensztajn1, C Arnold Spek

  • 1Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. K.S.Borensztajn@amc.uva.nl

Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis
|January 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Protease-activated receptors (PARs), activated by blood coagulation factors, play a role in cancer. Anticoagulant therapy may benefit cancer patients by modulating PAR signaling in tumor cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G-protein-coupled receptors activated via a unique proteolytic mechanism by serine proteinases.
  • Blood coagulation factors, beyond hemostasis, engage target cells through PAR activation, influencing critical cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the PAR family, their activation mechanisms, and signal termination pathways.
  • To discuss the link between blood coagulation and cancer biology.
  • To explore the role of PARs in tumor cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and growth.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PAR family activation and signaling.
  • Analysis of studies linking coagulation factors to cancer.
  • Discussion of clinical evidence for anticoagulant therapy in cancer.

Main Results:

  • PAR activation by coagulation factors influences cell proliferation, survival, and malignant transformation.
  • PAR expression correlates with cancer malignancy.
  • Clinical studies suggest benefits of anticoagulant treatment in cancer patients.

Conclusions:

  • PARs are implicated in cancer biology through their modulation of cell survival and apoptosis.
  • The interplay between blood coagulation and cancer warrants further investigation.
  • Targeting PAR signaling represents a potential therapeutic strategy in oncology.

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