Cathepsin D: a protease involved in breast cancer metastasis.
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| Abstract |
Cathepsin D is an acidic lysosomal protease present in all cells. In estrogen receptor positive and negative breast cancer cell lines, the mRNA coding for pro-cathepsin D is overexpressed and sorting and maturation of the pro-enzyme are altered, via possibly saturation of the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor, leading to accumulation of the active proteinase in large endosomes and to secretion of the precursor (52K protein). In MCF7 cells, the cathepsin D mRNA is induced directly and transcriptionally by estrogens and indirectly by growth factors. In patients, there is a significant correlation between high cathepsin D concentrations in the cytosol of primary breast cancer and development of metastasis. This marker is independent of other prognostic factors and appears to be particularly useful in axillary node-negative tumors. Transfection of a human cDNA cathepsin D expression vector under the control of SV40 promoter increases the metastatic potential of 3YA1-Ad12 rat tumorigenic cells when intravenously injected into nude mice. The mechanism of cathepsin D-induced metastasis is currently unknown. These results indicate that overexpression of cathepsin D might facilitate breast cancer metastasis, suggesting new possible therapeutic approaches.
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| Authors | H Rochefort, F Capony, M Garcia |
| Journal | Cancer metastasis reviews (Cancer Metastasis Rev) Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 321-31 (Dec 1990) ISSN: 0167-7659 [Print] Netherlands |
| PMID | 1965795 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review) |
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