Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:11
Longitudinal Measurement of Extracellular Matrix Rigidity in 3D Tumor Models Using Particle-tracking Microrheology
Published on: June 10, 2014
Elastin turnover in malignant solid tumors
Barry Starcher1, Edward Sauter, Coty Ho
1Department of Biochemistry and.
Connective Tissue Research
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Urine desmosine levels are significantly elevated in untreated cancer patients, suggesting elastin breakdown in tumors. This finding highlights desmosine as a potential cancer biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Elastin is a crucial structural protein in connective tissues.
- Desmosine is a unique amino acid crosslinking elastin.
- The role of desmosine in cancer has not been fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate desmosine as a potential urinary biomarker for cancer.
- To assess differences in urine desmosine levels between cancer patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of urine desmosine levels using creatinine normalization.
- Comparison of desmosine levels in normal controls, untreated cancer patients, chemotherapy patients, and cancer survivors.
Main Results:
- Urine desmosine levels were significantly higher in untreated cancer subjects (175 pmol/mg creatinine) compared to normal controls (43.5 pmol/mg creatinine).
- No significant difference in urine desmosine was observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy or disease-free survivors.
- Elevated desmosine indicates elastin turnover in malignant solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Urine desmosine shows potential as a sensitive biomarker for detecting active malignancy.
- Elastin degradation is associated with the presence of solid tumors.
- Further research is warranted to explore desmosine's clinical utility in cancer diagnostics.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
01:12Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Elastic fiber contains the protein elastin along with lesser amounts of other proteins and glycoproteins. The main property of elastin is that it will return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Elastic fibers are prominent in elastic tissues found in skin and the elastic ligaments of the vertebral column.
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:45Destabilization of Microtubules
The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
02:30Metastasis
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...