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Glycosaminoglycans: Carriers and Targets for Tailored Anti-Cancer Therapy

Aikaterini Berdiaki1, Monica Neagu2, Eirini-Maria Giatagana1

  • 1Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.

Biomolecules
|April 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) undergo significant structural changes during cancer progression, correlating with malignancy. These GAG alterations offer promising therapeutic targets and drug delivery strategies for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises diverse cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
  • Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), vital ECM and cell membrane constituents, are notably altered in cancerous tissues.
  • Changes in GAG structure, including sulfation patterns, molecular weight, and distribution, are linked to cancer progression and malignant transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements and the extensive potential of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cancer therapy.
  • To explore the dual role of GAGs as therapeutic targets and as carriers for cancer therapeutics.
  • To discuss the implications of GAG alterations in tumorigenesis for drug development.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of GAGs in cancer.
  • Analysis of GAG structural modifications during cancer evolution.
  • Evaluation of GAG-based therapeutic strategies and drug delivery systems.

Main Results:

  • GAG fine structure modifications, particularly sulfation patterns, are directly correlated with malignant transformation.
  • Distinct alterations in GAG molecular weight, distribution, and composition occur during cancer development.
  • GAGs exhibit unique properties making them suitable for both targeting cancer and delivering therapeutics.

Conclusions:

  • GAGs represent promising effectors and targets for novel anticancer therapies.
  • The specific properties of GAGs facilitate their use in targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
  • Continued research into GAGs holds significant potential for advancing cancer drug development and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
cancercancer therapychondroitin sulfatedrug carriersglycosaminoglycansheparan sulfateheparinhyaluronannanomaterialtherapy targets

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