Heparanase induces signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein phosphorylation: preclinical and clinical significance in head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT: Activity of heparanase is implicated strongly in dissemination of metastatic tumor cells and cells of the immune system. In addition, heparanase enhances the phosphorylation of selected signaling molecules, including SRC and EGFR, in a manner that requires secretion but not enzymatic activity of heparanase and is mediated by its C-terminal domain. Clinically, heparanase staining is associated with larger tumors and increased EGFR phosphorylation in head and neck carcinoma. We hypothesized that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins mediate the protumorigenic function of heparanase downstream of the EGFR. We provide evidence that heparanase enhances the phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5b but not STAT5a. Moreover, enhanced proliferation of heparanase transfected ce

SUBMITTER: Cohen-Kaplan V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3307274 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature