Proteolytic Enzymes in Cancer Invasion (Journal - Enzyme and Protein , Vol 49, No 1-3)

This special issue highlights the most recent advances in the field of proteolytic enzymes and their role in cancer cell invasion. The large repertoire of enzymes at the disposal of cancer cells, their cellular origins and the possible reasons for their apparent functional redundancy are discussed. The families of the enzymes undert consideration are metalloproteinases, plasminogen activators, cathepsins and a new group of enzymes residing in the invadopodia of cancer cells. Topics addressed include the regulation of metalloproteinase gene expression, the generation of multiple forms of a proteolytic enzyme from a single gene, and the contribution of stromal-epithelial interactions to the generation of proteolytic enzymes and their diversity. Also featured is their involvement in angiogenesis and their clinical value as prognostic indicators of cancer aggressiveness collection of papers by leaders in the field will be of great value for both students and established scientists interested in the pathology of tissue remodelling in cancer.