Abstract
The natural tetrapeptide acetyl-ser-asp-lys-pro (AcSDKP) is formed in vivo by enzymatic cleavage of the N terminus of thymosin beta 4 by prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Recently, AcSDKP was shown to promote angiogenesis. Because of the critical role of neovascularization in cancer development, the levels of AcSDKP and POP activity in a number of different malignant tissues were investigated. Our studies revealed that AcSDKP levels were markedly elevated in neoplastic diseases including hematologic malignancies and solid neoplasms. Consistent with this finding, the enhanced activity of POP was also detected in all analyzed specimens of cancer tissues. Both these novel findings are in concert with the previously reported overexpression of thymosin beta 4 in a large variety of malignant tumors and with its potential role in cancerogenesis. The physiological relevance of these findings awaits further studies; however, our first results strongly suggest a key role for AcSDKP in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | THYMOSINS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE |
Editors | E Garaci, AL Goldstein |
Place of Publication | OXFORD |
Publisher | Blackwell |
Pages | 53-59 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-1-57331-801-3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Event | 2nd International Symposium on Thymosins in Health and Disease - Catania Duration: 30 Sept 2009 → 2 Oct 2009 |
Conference
Conference | 2nd International Symposium on Thymosins in Health and Disease |
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City | Catania |
Period | 30/09/09 → 2/10/09 |