Proteases and protease inhibitors in tumor progression.
Adv Exp Med Biol
; 425: 89-97, 1997.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9433492
ABSTRACT
Our understanding of the role of matrix degrading proteases in cancer has dramatically expanded over the last two decades. From correlative observations linking proteases to cancer progression, we have accumulated evidence supporting a causal role for proteases in various steps of tumor progression and have become increasingly aware of the complex interactions that exist among proteases. Specific natural inhibitors of these proteases have also been identified and their role as potent cytostatic agents in cancer has been suggested. In this article some of the concepts on the role of proteases in cancer are discussed and examples of cooperation between matrix metalloproteinases and the plasmin/plasminogen activators system are presented. The role of protease inhibitors such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) as inhibitors of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis is discussed.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Endopeptidases
/
Protease Inhibitors
/
Neoplasms
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Adv Exp Med Biol
Year:
1997
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States