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Published on: December 26, 2016
Targeting oxygenases could be a viable anti-metastatic approach in cancer therapy
Pengfei Shi1, Jie Xu1, Hongjuan Cui1
1Jinfeng Laboratory, 401329 Chongqing, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716 Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Malignant tumors are characterized by irregular boundaries, rapid and uncontrolled cell growth, the ability to invade surrounding tissues, and the potential to spread and metastasize to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. More than 90 % of cancer-related deaths are attributed to the metastasis of cancer cells. When malignant tumors metastasize, the metabolic processes within the cells undergo significant changes, with enzymes playing a crucial role in regulating metabolism and serving as key mediators in both synthesis and degradation. Oxygenases are a group of oxidative enzymes that catalyze the incorporation of oxygen atoms into various substrates. Advances in our understanding of the genome and proteome of malignant tumors have revealed that oxygenases are highly expressed in many metastatic tumor cells, where they can enhance the activity of specific proteins that regulate tumor metastasis. Furthermore, there is a growing recognition that certain drugs can specifically target oxygenases to inhibit tumor metastasis, with several of these agents are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. In this context, we summarize the mechanisms by which oxygenases influence cancer cell behavior, along with the preclinical and clinical studies related to targeted therapies involving oxygenases.
Insights
Oxygenases are key enzymes in cancer metastasis. Targeting these enzymes with drugs shows promise for inhibiting cancer spread and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Malignant tumors exhibit uncontrolled growth, invasion, and metastasis, leading to over 90% of cancer deaths.
- Cancer cell metastasis involves significant metabolic alterations, with enzymes mediating synthesis and degradation.
- Oxygenases, oxidative enzymes, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the mechanisms by which oxygenases influence cancer cell behavior.
- To review preclinical and clinical studies on targeted therapies involving oxygenases for cancer metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on oxygenases and cancer metastasis.
- Analysis of genomic and proteomic data revealing oxygenase expression in metastatic tumors.
- Examination of studies on oxygenase-targeted drugs in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- Oxygenases are highly expressed in metastatic tumor cells, enhancing proteins that drive metastasis.
- Targeting oxygenases with specific drugs can inhibit tumor metastasis.
- Several oxygenase-targeting agents are currently in clinical evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Oxygenases play a critical role in regulating cancer cell behavior and metastasis.
- Targeted inhibition of oxygenases represents a promising therapeutic strategy for combating cancer metastasis.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of oxygenase-targeted therapies.
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