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Published on: November 23, 2017
The plasminogen activator system and cancer
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis
|January 30, 2009
Summary
The plasminogen activator system regulates cancer growth and metastasis. Targeting this system shows promise in experimental tumors, but clinical verification is pending.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The plasminogen activator system, crucial for fibrinolysis, also impacts cancer progression.
- Components of this system are frequently found in tumors, influencing growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Cytokines and growth factors modulate system expression, often upregulated in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the plasminogen activator system in cancer.
- To highlight the involvement of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in tumor cell functions and fibrin deposition.
- To discuss the significance of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in cancer pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the fibrinolytic system in cancer.
- Analysis of the roles of tPA, uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 in tumor biology.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting the plasminogen activator system.
Main Results:
- uPA and its receptor (uPAR) are primarily involved in cellular functions like migration and invasion.
- tPA and its receptor annexin II are mainly associated with intravascular fibrin deposition.
- PAI-1 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases and cancer.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting plasminogen activators and PAI-1 show preclinical promise.
Conclusions:
- The plasminogen activator system plays a significant role in cancer development and progression.
- Targeting this system offers potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
- Further clinical investigation is needed to validate the efficacy of these experimental therapies.
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