D Nikitovic1, M Mytilinaiou1, Ai Berdiaki1, N K Karamanos2, G N Tzanakakis3. 1. Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece. 2. Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras 26110, Greece. 3. Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece. Electronic address: tzanakak@med.uoc.gr.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The solid melanoma tumor consists of transformed melanoma cells, and the associated stromal cells including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, as well as, soluble macro- and micro-molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) forming the complex network of the tumor microenvironment. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are an important component of the melanoma tumor ECM. Importantly, there appears to be both a quantitative and a qualitative shift in the content of HSPGs, in parallel to the nevi-radial growth phase-vertical growth phase melanoma progression. Moreover, these changes in HSPG expression are correlated to modulations of key melanoma cell functions. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review will critically discuss the roles of HSPGs/heparin in melanoma development and progression. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: We have correlated HSPGs' expression and distribution with melanoma cell signaling and functions as well as angiogenesis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current knowledge of HSPGs/heparin biology in melanoma provides a foundation we can utilize in the ongoing search for new approaches in designing anti-tumor therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
BACKGROUND: The solid melanoma tumor consists of transformed melanoma cells, and the associated stromal cells including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, as well as, soluble macro- and micro-molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) forming the complex network of the tumor microenvironment. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are an important component of the melanoma tumor ECM. Importantly, there appears to be both a quantitative and a qualitative shift in the content of HSPGs, in parallel to the nevi-radial growth phase-vertical growth phase melanoma progression. Moreover, these changes in HSPG expression are correlated to modulations of key melanoma cell functions. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review will critically discuss the roles of HSPGs/heparin in melanoma development and progression. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: We have correlated HSPGs' expression and distribution with melanoma cell signaling and functions as well as angiogenesis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current knowledge of HSPGs/heparin biology in melanoma provides a foundation we can utilize in the ongoing search for new approaches in designing anti-tumor therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
Authors: Dragana Nikitovic; Katerina Kouvidi; Kallirroi Voudouri; Aikaterini Berdiaki; Evgenia Karousou; Alberto Passi; George N Tzanakakis Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2014-07-22 Impact factor: 3.411
Authors: Sandeep Gopal; Samantha Arokiasamy; Csilla Pataki; James R Whiteford; John R Couchman Journal: Open Biol Date: 2021-02-10 Impact factor: 6.411