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Laminin gamma 1 chain peptide, C-16 (KAFDITYVRLKF), promotes migration, MMP-9 secretion, and pulmonary metastasis of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. Between 1970 and 1994, cancer claimed the lives of about 0.5 million Americans every year. According to the most recent statistics, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 555,500 people will die from cancer in the United States in the year 2002. Despite these statistics, the prognosis of some cancers is excellent. Melanoma offers one good example. If diagnosis is made before the cancer has spread from its site of origin, cure is commonly achieved. As with most cancers however, melanomas that have spread to distant organs, most commonly the lungs, are rarely curable. The development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of metastatic cancers thus represents a key priority for the pharmaceutical industry. Metastasis is a multi-step process that involves tumor escape and the attachment of cancer cells to blood vessels supplying distant organs. Laminin-1, a heterotrimer of alpha 1, beta 1, and gamma 1 chains specific to basement membrane, promotes cell adhesion and migration, proteinase secretion and metastases of tumor cells. Several active sites on the alpha 1 chain have been found to promote melanoma lung colonization. More recently, researchers have identified novel cell adhesive peptides derived from the laminin gamma 1 chain that enhance pulmonary metastases and migratory activity of melanoma cells. This was related to induction of MMP-9. Further studies are warranted to determine the therapeutic effects of blocking the interaction of laminin with tumor cells, including but not limited to melanoma. Link to journal abstract:
Adapted from Kuratomi et al, Br J Cancer 2002 Apr 8;86(7):1169-73 Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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