title: Heparanase, hyaluronan, and CD44 in cancers: a breast carcinoma perspective.
abstract: Glycosaminoglycans are major constituents of the cancer cell surface and the tumor stroma. The heparan sulfate degrading enzyme heparanase, hyaluronan, and its receptor CD44 are up-regulated in breast cancer, generating a microenvironment that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Recent experimental and clinical evidence shows that heparanase, hyaluronan, and CD44 regulate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as tumor-associated angiogenesis and are correlated with patient survival. These findings suggest that they may be used as prognostic factors and targets for breast cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Götte
authors.forename: George W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Yip
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000502:physiology*; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000502:physiology*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D000099175:Heparanase
chemical_list: D005966:Glucuronidase; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D000099175:Heparanase