Angiogenesis is a critical process in the transition of tumors from a localized, primary site to a distant site of metastases. Hypoxic conditions within the tumor mass lead to the activation of signalling pathways which initiate tumor cell invasion, migration, adhesion and subsequent angiogenesis. Several key molecular players in hypoxia-induced tumor progression are well-described, e.g., hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and angiopoietin-2; however, drug development aimed at suppressing individual members of this signalling cascade has proven to be challenging. The article by Erler et al. published in Nature (Vol. 440, April 2006) identifies lysyl oxidase (LOX) as an essential enzyme for hypoxia-induced metastases. This Journal Club reviews the findings presented by Erler and colleagues and briefly discusses the implications of LOX in cancer.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/cbt.5.8.3230 | DOI Listing |
Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov
January 2025
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, PR China.
Background: Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes oxidative deamination ε-amino group of lysine. It has been found that LOXL2 is a promotor for the metastasis and invasion in kinds of tumors. Previous studies show that disulfide bonds are important components in LOXL2, and their bioactivity can be regulated by those bonds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOphthalmic Genet
January 2025
School of Optometry, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Purpose: This study sought to analyze the effect of allele mutations and gene functions specific to glaucoma susceptibility among Africans.
Methods: Potentially relevant studies were retrieved from major bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Data were extracted and study-specific estimates were meta-analyzed using various models to obtain pooled results.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol
December 2024
B. Timothy Baxter, MD: University of Nebraska Medical Center, 68198 Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, Ne 68198-2500 (402-639-0144).
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common, progressive and potentially fatal dilation of the most distal aortic segment. Multiple studies with longitudinal follow-up of AAA have identified markedly slower progression among patients affected with diabetes. Understanding the molecular pathway responsible for the growth inhibition could have implications for therapy in nondiabetic AAA patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Healthc Mater
December 2024
Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China.
The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe and complex condition characterized by the pathological dilation of the abdominal aorta. Current therapeutic strategies are limited, with surgical repair being the most effective intervention due to the lack of medications that can slow aneurysmal expansion or prevent adverse events. In this study, an innovative nanoplatform, Mn-UiO-66-NH@HA, designed to repair vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is developed, thereby enhancing arterial wall integrity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Exp Metastasis
December 2024
Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center 540F, University of Missouri, 1201 E Rollins, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
Copper promotes tumor growth and metastasis through a variety of mechanisms, most notably as a cofactor within the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of secreted cuproenzymes. Members of this family, which include LOX and LOX-like enzymes LOXL1-4, catalyze the copper-dependent crosslinking of collagens and elastin within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Elevated LOX expression is associated with higher incidence and worse prognosis in multiple cancers, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and head and neck.
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