Abstract 329: Targeting an emerging oncogenic biomarker, heparanase

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.