Abstract

Abstract Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), major components in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of all tissue types, maintain ECM structural integrity and regulate cellular signaling via binding with ECM components and protein ligands such as growth factors and chemokines. Heparanase, the only known enzyme that can cleave the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of HSPGs, regulates many cellular processes including ECM remodeling and homeostasis of cell-associated HS, and controls the bioavailability and activity of molecules attached to HS. The expression of heparanase is significantly elevated in almost all cancer types, and increased heparanase activity is mostly linked with increased angiogenesis, metastasis, and shortened post-surgery survival. Our research focuses on the development of molecular tools that can target and visualize the spatiotemporal activities of heparanase in both cells and living organisms. We have applied our molecular probes of heparanase towards cancer diagnostics and drug discovery. Citation Format: Lina Cui. Targeting an emerging oncogenic biomarker, heparanase [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 329.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.