A possible role for enzymes in tumour-cell invasion.
The complex molecular and cellular processes of metastatic invasion as well as the anti-invasion possibilities are summarized. Invasion by neoplastic cells is a major obstacle to successful cancer therapy. Enzymes such as hyaluronidase, sialyltransferase, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasmin, matrix metalloproteinases, and others, play central roles in the catabolism of extracellular matrix macromolecules. However, this process can be opposed by inhibitors of these enzymes. Both invasion (promoters) and anti-invasion factors (suppressors) need further investigation, to clarify the role of these factors in the aetiology and possibly in the treatment and prognosis of metastatic cancer.
van Aswegen
C H
CH
Department of Urology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
du Plessis
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000502:physiology; D004798:Enzymes / Q000502:physiology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000503:physiopathology
D004798:Enzymes; D010450:Endopeptidases