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Cathepsins mediate tumor metastasis.

Gong-Jun Tan1, Zheng-Ke Peng, Jin-Ping Lu

  • 1Gong-Jun Tan, Fa-Qing Tang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China.

World Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 17, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Cathepsins, a group of enzymes, are highly expressed in human cancers and linked to tumor metastasis. This review discusses their diverse roles in cancer progression, invasion, and potential therapeutic targeting.

Keywords:
CathepsinMechanismMetastasisTumor

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cathepsins are a superfamily of lysosomal proteinases with diverse enzymatic activities.
  • They are implicated in various cellular processes, including proliferation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix degradation.
  • Aberrant cathepsin expression is frequently observed in human cancers, correlating with tumor progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of cathepsin family members in human cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying cathepsin-mediated invasion and metastasis.
  • To highlight cathepsins as potential therapeutic targets in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cathepsins in cancer.
  • Analysis of cathepsin expression patterns in various human tumors.
  • Discussion of experimental evidence linking cathepsins to tumorigenic processes.

Main Results:

  • Cathepsins exhibit diverse functions, acting as cysteine, serine, or aspartic proteases.
  • Specific cathepsin family members are upregulated in different cancer types.
  • Evidence supports their contribution to cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Cathepsins play significant roles in multiple stages of cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding their precise mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Targeting cathepsins may offer a promising strategy for cancer treatment.