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Thrombin increases the metastatic potential of tumor cells
M Z Wojtukiewicz1, D G Tang, J J Ciarelli
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
International Journal of Cancer
|July 9, 1993
Summary
Thrombin enhances tumor cell adhesion and metastasis by upregulating alpha11b beta3 integrin. This effect involves the PKC pathway and increases lung colonization in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumor cell adhesion to the microvasculature is crucial for metastasis.
- Factors influencing tumor cell adhesion determine metastatic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of thrombin and its analogs on tumor cell adhesion and metastasis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying thrombin-mediated enhancement of tumor cell interactions.
Main Methods:
- Studied tumor cell adhesion to endothelium and fibronectin in the presence of thrombin.
- Analyzed cell-surface integrin expression (alpha11b beta3) and signaling pathways (PKC).
- Assessed in vivo lung colonization of thrombin-treated tumor cells.
Main Results:
- Alpha-thrombin significantly increased tumor cell adhesion to endothelium and fibronectin.
- Thrombin upregulated alpha11b beta3 integrin expression, mediating adhesion.
- Thrombin-treated cells showed a 2-fold increase in lung colonization in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Thrombin enhances tumor cell adhesion and metastatic potential through alpha11b beta3 integrin and PKC signaling.
- These findings highlight thrombin's role in cancer metastasis.