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In vitro plasminogen activator activity in human brain tumors
Cancer Research
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Human brain tumor cells release a unique plasminogen activator, distinct from urokinase found in other cells. This discovery offers new insights into brain tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fibrinolytic activity, mediated by plasminogen activators, plays a role in various physiological and pathological processes, including tumor cell invasion.
- Urokinase (uPA) is a well-characterized plasminogen activator found in numerous normal and neoplastic human cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of plasminogen activator activity in human brain tumor cells.
- To determine if the plasminogen activator produced by brain tumors is antigenically similar to known forms like urokinase.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of cell cultures from nine human brain tumors.
- Fibrin plate assays to assess fibrinolytic activity in cell lysates and released material.
- Catalytic inhibition assays using antibodies against human urokinase.
Main Results:
- Human brain tumor cells exhibited plasminogen-dependent fibrinolytic activity.
- This activity was not inhibited by antibodies against human urokinase.
- Plasminogen activator from other cell types (WI-38, prostatic, ovarian carcinoma) was inhibited by anti-urokinase antibodies.
Conclusions:
- The plasminogen activator produced by human brain tumor cells is antigenically distinct from urokinase.
- This suggests a unique molecular identity for the plasminogen activator in brain tumors.
- Further research into this distinct activator may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for brain tumors.