title: The extracellular matrix in cancer progression: Role of hyalectan proteoglycans and ADAMTS enzymes.
abstract: Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has emerged as a key factor in cancer progression. Proteoglycans, including versican and other hyalectans, represent major structural elements of the ECM where they interact with other important molecules, including the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and the CD44 cell surface receptor. The hyalectan proteoglycans are regulated through cleavage by the proteolytic actions of A Disintegrin-like And Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin-1 motif (ADAMTS) family members. Alteration in the balance between hyalectan proteoglycans and ADAMTS enzymes has been proposed to be a crucial factor in cancer progression either in a positive or negative manner depending on the context. Further complexity arises due to the formation of bioactive cleavage products, such as versikine, which may also play a role, and non-enzymatic functions for ADAMTS proteins. This research is providing fresh insights into cancer biology and opportunities for the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
authors.forename: Marley J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Binder
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McCoombe
authors.affiliation: Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
authors.forename: Elizabeth D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: McCulloch
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia. Electronic address: alister.ward@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Alister C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000071096:ADAMTS Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D058579:Hyalectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment
chemical_list: D058579:Hyalectins; D000071096:ADAMTS Proteins
keywords: ADAMTS; Cancer; Extracellular matrix; Hyalectan; Versican