Cathepsin B: A sellsword of cancer progression

Cancer Lett. 2019 May 1:449:207-214. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.035. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Abstract

Clinical, biochemical and molecular biology studies have identified lysosome-encapsulated cellular proteases as critical risk factors for cancer progression. Cathepsins represent a group of such proteases aimed at maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest that Cathepsin B executes other cellular programs such as controlling tumor growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastases development. In fact, elevated levels of Cathepsins are found under different pathological conditions including inflammation, infection, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Furthermore, the discovery of Cathepsin B secretion and function as an extracellular matrix protein has broadened our appreciation for the impact of Cathepsin B on cancer progression. Underneath a façade of an intracellular protease with limited therapeutic potential hides a central role of cathepsins in extracellular functions. Moreover, this role is incredibly diverse from one condition to the next - from driving caspase-dependent apoptosis to facilitating tumor neovascularization and metastasis. Here we discuss the role of Cathepsin B in the oncogenic process and perspective the use of Cathepsin B for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Autophagy; Cathepsin B; Migration; Tumor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis
  • Autophagy
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Cathepsin B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cathepsin B / genetics
  • Cathepsin B / metabolism*
  • Cell Movement
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • RNAi Therapeutics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • CTSB protein, human
  • Cathepsin B