The roles of proteases in prostate cancer

AbstractSince the proposition of the pro-invasive activity of proteolytic enzymes over 70  years ago, several roles for proteases in cancer progression have been established. About half of the 473 active human proteases are expressed in the prostate and many of the most well-characterized members of this enzyme family are regulated by androgens, hormones essential for development of pr ostate cancer. Most notably, several kallikrein-related peptidases, including KLK3 (prostate-specific antigen, PSA), the most well-known prostate cancer marker, and type II transmembrane serine proteases, such as TMPRSS2 and matriptase, have been extensively studied and found to promote prostate can cer progression. Recent findings also suggest a critical role for proteases in the development of advanced and aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Perhaps the most intriguing evidence for this role comes from studies showing that the protease-activated transmembrane proteins, Not ch and CDCP1, are associated with the development of CRPC. Here, we review the roles of proteases in prostate cancer, with a special focus on their regulation by androgens.

Source: IUBMB Life - January 5, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Hannu Koistinen, Ruusu ‐Maaria Kovanen, Morley D. Hollenberg, Antoine Dufour, Evette S. Radisky, Ulf‐Håkan Stenman, Jyotsna Batra, Judith Clements, John D. Hooper, Eleftherios Diamandis, Oliver Schilling, Antti Rannikko, Tuomas Mirtti Tags: CRITICAL REVIEW Source Type: research