Tissue factor mediates microvesicles shedding from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Extracellular vesicles, such as microvesicles (MVs), were identified as important players in tumor progression and acquisition of an aggressive phenotype. Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane protein that initiates the blood coagulation cascade. In tumor cells, TF has been associated with aggressiveness and cancer progression.

TR47, a PAR1-based peptide, inhibits melanoma cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo.

Activated Protein C (APC) is a serine-protease that displays antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, cleavage of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) by APC exerts endothelial cytoprotective actions. The effects of APC on endothelial cells may be reproduced by TR47, a PAR1-based peptide that mimics the novel N-terminus of PAR1 generated upon cleavage at Arg-46 by APC.

Different antiproliferative effects of matuzumab and cetuximab in A431 cells are associated with persistent activity of the MAPK pathway.

Preclinical studies have shown the potential antitumour efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In this report, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of the MAb matuzumab (EMD 72000) towards A431 cells and compared it to cetuximab. While cetuximab induced cell cycle arrest and inhibited A431 cell proliferation, matuzumab did not.