title: Proteases as prognostic markers in human and canine cancers.
abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of several types of proteins, which interact and form dynamic networks. These components can modulate cell behaviour and actively influence the growth and differentiation of tissues. ECM is also important in several pathological processes, such as cancer invasion and metastasis, by creating favourable microenvironments. Proteolysis in neoplastic tissues is mediated by proteinases, whose regulation involves complex interactions between neoplastic cells and non-neoplastic stromal cells. In this review, we discuss aspects of proteinase expression and tumor behaviour in humans and dogs. Different classes of proteases are summarized, with special emphasis being placed on molecules that have been shown to correlate with prognosis, reinforcing the need for a better understanding of the regulation of this microenvironment and its influences in tumor progression and metastasis, which should significantly aid the development of improved prognosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Laboratório de Oncologia Comparada e Translacional (LOCT), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil.
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Pulz
authors.affiliation: Laboratório de Oncologia Comparada e Translacional (LOCT), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Strefezzi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000662:veterinary; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002403:Cathepsins; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
keywords: cathepsin; extracellular matrix; metalloproteinase; oncology; prognosis