Nuclear localization of heparanase 2 (Hpa2) attenuates breast carcinoma growth and metastasis.

ABSTRACT: Unlike the intense research effort devoted to exploring the significance of heparanase in cancer, very little attention was given to Hpa2, a close homolog of heparanase. Here, we explored the role of Hpa2 in breast cancer. Unexpectedly, we found that patients endowed with high levels of Hpa2 exhibited a higher incidence of tumor metastasis and survived less than patients with low levels of Hpa2. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that in normal breast tissue, Hpa2 localizes primarily in the cell nucleus. In striking contrast, in breast carcinoma, Hpa2 expression is not only decreased but also loses its nuclear localization and appears diffuse in the cell cytoplasm. Importantly, breast cancer patients in which nuclear localization of Hpa2 is retained exhibited reduced lymph-node metas

SUBMITTER: Hilwi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10959965 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature