The role of proteolysis in tumor invasiveness in glioblastoma and metastatic brain tumors

Anticancer Res. 2002 Nov-Dec;22(6C):4265-8.

Abstract

Local invasive infiltration and growth are key features in glioblastoma, which are accompanied by remodeling of the vasculature and the destruction of the surrounding normal brain tissues. The local and regional spread of glioblastoma is often associated with poor prognosis. The invasive character of glioblastoma appears to depend partly on the proteolytic destruction of the extracellular matrix components. In this article, we review the role of proteolytic enzymes, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix-metalloproteases, for diffuse infiltrative growth of glioblastoma. An understanding of the mechanisms of increased expression of these molecules in glioblastoma might provide an insight into the regulatory pathway of cellular invasion and for a new therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Glioblastoma / enzymology*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology*
  • Glioblastoma / secondary
  • Humans
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / metabolism

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases