Ectopeptidases in tumour biology: a review.

摘要: Cell membrane-bound proteolytic enzymes (ectopeptidases) are integral membrane proteins, orientated asymmetrically with the catalytic site exposed to extracellular surface, which enables a versatile range of physiological and pathological functions. Ectopeptidases may regulate release many growth factors their receptors into circulation, as well activating or inactivating circulating signalling molecules, thereby regulating availability ligands for corresponding receptors. Additionally, these ectopeptidases have functions not limited proteolysis, but able in themselves function receptors, transducing intracellular signals. A functions, such modulation cell-signalling, matrix degradation, cell adhesion migration, particularly important tumour dissemination, attributed largely ectopeptidases. Even minor disruption normal equilibrium can influence tumor progression, ectopeptidases, including neutral endopeptidase 24.11, aminopeptidase N, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, angiotensin-converting enzyme, disintegrin-metalloproteinases, been shown be involved development metastasis. The ability degrade inactivate peptide hormones factors, resultant tumour-host interface, play an role pathogenesis, progression cancers, orientation makes them accessible, therefore interesting, regard therapeutical applications.