Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0027627 (metastases)
 103,950 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We have shown that the thrombin G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) designated as protease-activated receptors (PAR-1) are expressed in primary cancer cells isolated from peritoneal and pleural malignant effusions. Here, our main goal was to evaluate several coagulation and thrombin activation effectors and markers in a series of 136 malignant effusions from cancer patients with gastrointestinal, lung and mammary carcinomas. All these patients present a highly activated coagulation system in blood and their malignant effusions, as indicated by high levels of prothrombin F1.2 fragments and D-dimers. Notably, we detected in the effusions all the coagulation factors of the tissue factor pathway inducing thrombin activation, namely factors VII, V, X and II, as well as high VEGF levels and IGF-II in mature and precursor forms. Fibrin clot formation also correlated with higher levels of free ionized calcium (iCa), suggesting that iCa and its binding protein albumin are regulatory factors for fibrinogenesis in effusions. Consequently, thrombin, VEGF and IGFII appear to converge in the promotion of survival and invasivity of the metastatic cancer cells from blood to the malignant effusions. Thus, we add new insights on the interconnections between blood coagulation disorders in cancer patients and thrombin activation in malignant effusions, including their functional interaction with PAR in metastatic cancer cells. Based on these data we propose to counteract the metastatic cascades by targeted invalidation of key effectors of the coagulation system. Therefore, potential therapeutic approaches include the application of thrombin protease inhibitors, VEGF-blocking antibodies, and drugs targeting the VEGF and thrombin signaling pathways, such as tyrosine kinase or GPCR inhibitors.
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PMID:Activated coagulation factors in human malignant effusions and their contribution to cancer cell metastasis and therapy. 1754 6

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2), a member of the Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor family, is a structural homologue of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The expression of TFPI-2 in tumors is inversely related to an increasing degree of malignancy, which may suggest a role for TFPI-2 in the maintenance of tumor stability and inhibition of the growth of neoplasms. TFPI-2 inhibits the tissue factor/factor VIIa (TF/VIIa) complex and a wide variety of serine proteinases including plasmin, plasma kallikrein, factor XIa, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Aberrant methylation of TFPI-2 promoter cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine (CpG) islands in human cancers and cancer cell lines was widely documented to be responsible for diminished expression of mRNA encoding TFPI-2 and decreased or inhibited synthesis of TFPI-2 protein during cancer progression. Furthermore, an aberrantly spliced variant of TFPI-2 mRNA (designated asTFPI-2) was detected, which represents an untranslated form of TFPI-2. The levels of asTFPI-2 were very low or undetectable in normal cells but markedly upregulated in neoplastic tissue. TFPI-2 functions in the maintenance of the stability of the tumor environment and inhibits invasiveness and growth of neoplasms, as well as metastases formation. TFPI-2 has also been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis, which may contribute significantly to tumor growth inhibition. Restoration of TFPI-2 expression in tumor tissue inhibits invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis, which creates a novel possibility of cancer patient treatment. However, more information is still needed to define the precise role of TFPI-2 in human tumor biology.
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PMID:The role of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 in cancer biology. 1800 Jul 91

Tissue factor (TF) is aberrantly expressed on tumor vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and on cancer cells in many malignant tumors, but not on normal VECs, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. As a transmembrane receptor for coagulation factor VIIa (fVIIa), TF forms a high-affinity complex with its cognate ligand, which is subsequently internalized through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Accordingly, we developed a method for selectively delivering EF24, a potent synthetic curcumin analog, to TF-expressing tumor vasculature and tumors using fVIIa as a drug carrier. EF24 was chemically conjugated to fVIIa through a tripeptide-chloromethyl ketone. After binding to TF-expressing targets by fVIIa, EF24 will be endocytosed along with the drug carrier and will exert its cytotoxicity. Our results showed that the conjugate inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis in a rabbit cornea model and in a Matrigel model in athymic nude mice. The conjugate-induced apoptosis in tumor cells and significantly reduced tumor size in human breast cancer xenografts in athymic nude mice as compared with the unconjugated EF24. By conjugating potent drugs to fVIIa, this targeted drug delivery system has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, while reducing toxic side effects. It may also prove to be useful for treating drug-resistant tumors and micro-metastases in addition to primary tumors.
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PMID:Targeting tissue factor-expressing tumor angiogenesis and tumors with EF24 conjugated to factor VIIa. 1836 80

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises of 75% of all lung cancers. Human full length tissue factor (flHTF), the physiological initiator of blood coagulation, is aberrantly expressed in certain solid tumors. FlHTF and its soluble isoform, alternatively spliced human tissue factor (asHTF), have been shown to contribute to thrombogenicity of the blood of healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to quantify flHTF and asHTF on mRNA and protein levels (using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA) on a panel of human NSCLC tissue and plasma specimens. The tissue factor (TF) expression of 21 pulmonary adenomatous (AC) and 12 normal healthy tissues was assessed by real-time qRT-PCR. The TF protein concentration was quantified by ELISA in a subset of 11 AC and 9 normal tissue specimens as well as in the plasma of 13 lung cancer patients and 15 healthy controls. We found a significant increase in the ratio of flHTF/HGAPDH mRNA in AC (0.24+/-0.06 vs. 0.07+/-0.01; p=0.02 vs. controls) and in asHTF/HGAPDH mRNA (0.027+/-0.01 vs. 0.004+/-0.001; p=0.03 AC vs. controls). AsHTF mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with stage IA disease compared to patients with higher grade stages, pointing to TF as being a marker of malignancy and metastases. TF protein of lung tumors was significantly increased in AC (p=0.004 vs. controls). TF in plasma was up-regulated in lung cancer patients (334.9+/-95.4 vs. 124.1+/-14.8 pg/ml; p=0.02 vs. controls). Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting data are in line with the increased TF expression, showing elevated blood thrombogenicity of NSCLC patients. The up-regulation of flHTF and, especially, asHTF in AC suggests not only a raised risk of thrombosis, but also of tumor progression, thereby, indicating a poor prognosis in these patients.
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PMID:Tissue factor expression pattern in human non-small cell lung cancer tissues indicate increased blood thrombogenicity and tumor metastasis. 1857 26

The inability of tumour-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs) to bring about a net increase in tumour mass could be described as a source of tumour dormancy. While CSCs may be intrinsically capable of driving malignant growth, to do so they require compatible surroundings of supportive cells, growth factors, adhesion molecules and energy sources (e.g. glucose and oxygen), all of which constitute what may be referred to as a 'permissive' CSC niche. However, in some circumstances, the configuration of these factors could be incompatible with CSC growth (a 'non-permissive' niche) and lead to their death or dormancy. CSCs and their niches may also differ between adult and paediatric cancers. In this regard the various facets of the tumour-vascular interface could serve as elements of the CSC niche. Indeed, transformed cells with an increased tumour-initiating capability may preferentially reside in specific zones adjacent to tumour blood vessels, or alternatively originate from poorly perfused and hypoxic areas, to which they have adapted. CSCs themselves may produce increased amounts of angiogenic factors, or rely for this on their progeny or activated host stromal cells. It is likely that 'vascular' properties of tumour-initiating cells and those of their niches may diversify and evolve with tumour progression. The emerging themes in this area include the role of vascular (and bone marrow) aging, vascular and metabolic comorbidities (e.g. atherosclerosis) and the effects of the coagulation system (both at the local and systemic levels), all of which could impact the functionality of CSCs and their niches and affect tumour growth, dormancy and formation of occult as well as overt metastases. In this article we will discuss some of the vascular properties of CSCs relevant to tumour dormancy and progression, including: (i) the role of CSCs in regulating tumour vascular supply, i.e the onset and maintenance of tumour angiogenesis; (ii) the consequences of changing vascular demand (vascular dependence) of CSC and their progeny; (iii) the interplay between CSCs and the vascular system during the process of metastasis, and especially (iv) the impact of the coagulation system on the properties of CSC and their niches. We will use the oncogene-driven expression of tissue factor (TF) in cancer cells as a paradigm in this regard, as TF represents a common denominator of several vascular processes that commonly occur in cancer, most notably coagulation and angiogenesis. In so doing we will explore the therapeutic implications of targeting TF and the coagulation system to modulate the dynamics of tumour growth and tumour dormancy.
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PMID:Vascular determinants of cancer stem cell dormancy--do age and coagulation system play a role? 1883 10

In the mid 1800s Trousseau observed cancer-associated thrombosis, of which the underlying pathogenesis still remains unknown. We performed a prospective study on platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) and their procoagulant potential in breast cancer patients. Fifty-eight breast cancer patients and 13 women with benign breast tumors were included in the study. Microparticles (MP) were examined by electron microscopy and FACS analysis using labels for annexin V (total numbers), CD61 (PMP), CD62P and CD63 (activated platelets), CD62E (endothelial cells), CD45 (leukocytes) as well as CD142 (tissue factor). Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombin generation were measured as blood coagulation markers. Numbers of annexin V+-MP were highest in breast cancer patients with larger tumor size (T2; median = 5,637 x 10(6)/l; range = 2,852-8,613) and patients with distant metastases (M1; median = 6,102 x 10(6)/l; range = 3,350-7,445), and differed significantly from patients with in-situ tumor (Tis; median = 3,220 x 10(6)/l; range = 2,277-4,124; p = 0.019), small tumor size (T1; median = 3,281 x 10(6)/l; range = 2,356-4,861; p = 0.043) and women with benign breast tumor (median = 4,108 x 10(6)/l; range = 2,530-4,874; p = 0.040). A total of 82.3% of MP were from platelets, 14.6 % from endothelial cells and 0.3% from leukocytes. Less than 10% of PMP showed degranulation markers. Larger tumor size (T2) and metastases correlated with high counts of PMP and with highest F1+2 levels. Since prothrombin levels and thrombin generation did not parallel MP levels, we speculate that MP act in the microenvironment of tumor tissue and may thus not be an exclusive parameter reflecting in-vivo procoagulant activity.
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PMID:Platelet-derived microparticles and coagulation activation in breast cancer patients. 1884 Dec 90

Cancer progression is facilitated by blood coagulation. Anticoagulants, such as Hirudin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), reduce metastasis mainly by inhibition of thrombin formation and L- and P-selectin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. It is unknown whether the effects are dependent on cancer cell type. The effects of anticoagulants on tumor development of K1735 and B16 melanoma cells and CT26 colon cancer cells were investigated in mouse lung. Tumor load was determined noninvasively each week up to day 21 in all experiments using bioluminescence imaging. Effects of anticoagulants on tumor development of the three cell lines were correlated with the fibrin/fibrinogen content in the tumors, expression of tissue factor (TF), protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 and -4 and CD24, a ligand of L- and P-selectins. Hirudin inhibited tumor development of B16 cells in lungs completely but did not affect tumor growth of K1735 and CT26 cells. Low molecular weight heparin did not have an effect on K1735 melanoma tumor growth either. TF and PAR-4 expression was similar in the three cell lines. PAR-1 and CD24 were hardly expressed by K1735, whereas CT26 cells expressed low levels and B16 high levels of PAR-1 and CD24. Fibrin content of the tumors was not affected by LMWH. It is concluded that effects of anticoagulants are dependent on cancer cell type and are correlated with their CD24 and PAR-1 expression.
Clin Exp Metastasis 2009
PMID:Differential effects of anticoagulants on tumor development of mouse cancer cell lines B16, K1735 and CT26 in lung. 1906 86

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumor growth and metastases. Since cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression is positively correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and enhanced angiogenesis, COX-2 inhibitors have been focused on as angiogenesis-inhibiting drugs that may offer a complementary modality to classical strategies for cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the potential antiangiogenic effects of 1-furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone (FPP-3), a dual COX/5-LOX inhibitor. In HT1080 cancer cells, FPP-3 significantly suppressed release of VEGF as well as activation of NF-kappaB, a transcriptional factor required for VEGF expression. In a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, FPP-3 dose-dependently suppressed VEGF- and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis. In experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), FPP-3 dose-dependently decreased not only the cell survival and proliferation but also the tube formation and invasion using Matrigel-coated plates. Such antiangiogenic activity correlated with suppression of VEGF-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, in contrast to the case of NS398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, FPP-3 did not alter the ratio of tissue factor (TF)/tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) expression, a coagulation index. These results indicate that FPP-3 could be used as an effective antiangiogenic agent without the risk of developing thrombotic complications.
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PMID:The anti-angiogenic effects of 1-furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone are mediated through the suppression of both VEGF production and VEGF-induced signaling. 1906 39

Heparanase is an endoglycosidase that specifically cleaves heparan sulfate side chains, a class of glycosaminoglycans abundantly present in the extracellular matrix and on the cell surface. Heparanase activity is strongly implicated in tumor metastasis attributed to remodeling of the subepithelial and subendothelial basement membranes, resulting in dissemination of metastatic cancer cells. Moreover, heparanase up-regulation was noted in an increasing number of primary human tumors, correlating with tumors larger in size, increased microvessel density, and reduced postoperative survival rate, implying that heparanase function is not limited to tumor metastasis. This notion is supported by recent findings revealing induction of signaling molecules (i.e., Akt, p38) and gene transcription [i.e., tissue factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] by enzymatically-inactive heparanase. Here, we provide evidence that active and inactive heparanase proteins enhance epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. Enhanced EGFR phosphorylation was associated with increased cell migration, cell proliferation, and colony formation, which were attenuated by Src inhibitors. Similarly, heparanase gene silencing by means of siRNA was associated with reduced Src and EGFR phosphorylation levels and decreased cell proliferation. Moreover, heparanase expression correlated with increased phospho-EGFR levels and progression of head and neck carcinoma, providing a strong clinical support for EGFR modulation by heparanase. Thus, heparanase seems to modulate two critical systems involved in tumor progression, namely VEGF expression and EGFR activation. Neutralizing heparanase enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions is therefore expected to profoundly affect tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
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PMID:Heparanase augments epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation: correlation with head and neck tumor progression. 1907 73

It is established that experimental metastasis requires platelet activity. CD154 expressed on and released from activated platelets induces an inflammatory response in endothelial cells and monocytes, including tissue factor production. CD154 has also been shown to activate platelets in vitro and promote thrombus stability in vivo. These CD154 effects may be mediated, at least in part, by CD40 signaling on platelets and vascular endothelial cells. We have previously demonstrated prolonged bleeding and PFA-100 closure times in mice deficient for Cd154 or its receptor Cd40. In the present study, we hypothesized that Cd40 and Cd154 promote lung tumor formation in experimental metastasis in mice. We created mice doubly deficient in Cd40 and Cd154 (Dbl KO) and found them to be both fertile and viable. Injected tumor cells seeded poorly in mice deficient in Cd40 or Cd154, as well as Dbl KO, compared to wild-type mice. We sought to determine whether blood-borne Cd40 versus endothelial Cd40 contribute differentially to reduced experimental lung metastasis, as observed in Cd40 deficient mice. By bone marrow transplantation, we created mice deficient for Cd40 either in the blood compartment but not in the endothelium, or vice versa. We found that mice deficient in blood compartment Cd40 had fewer lung nodules compared to wild-type mice and mice deficient in endothelial Cd40. Our findings suggest an important contribution of the Cd40-Cd154 pathway to experimental lung metastasis. Furthermore, the data points to a selective role for peripheral blood cell Cd40 in this process.
Clin Exp Metastasis 2009
PMID:Deficiencies in the CD40 and CD154 receptor-ligand system reduce experimental lung metastasis. 1964 3


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