Sulfated sugars in the extracellular matrix orchestrate ovarian cancer development: ‘When sweet turns sour’

Abstract Considering the high mortality of ovarian cancer, novel approaches for diagnostics and therapy are urgently needed. Cancer initiation, progression, and invasion occur in a complex and dynamic microenvironment which depends on the interplay between host cell responses and tumor activity. Cho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gynecologic oncology 2014-11, Vol.135 (2), p.371-381
Main Authors: Vallen, Myrtille J.E, van der Steen, Sophieke C.H.A, van Tilborg, Angela A.G, Massuger, Leon F.A.G, van Kuppevelt, Toin H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenesis - metabolism
Cell Adhesion
Cell Movement
Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin Sulfates - immunology
Chondroitin Sulfates - metabolism
Extracellular Matrix - metabolism
Female
Glycosaminoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans - immunology
Glycosaminoglycans - metabolism
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Neoplasm Invasiveness
Neovascularization, Pathologic - metabolism
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ovarian Neoplasms - immunology
Ovarian Neoplasms - metabolism
Ovarian Neoplasms - pathology
Therapeutic targeting
Tumor Escape - immunology
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Summary:Abstract Considering the high mortality of ovarian cancer, novel approaches for diagnostics and therapy are urgently needed. Cancer initiation, progression, and invasion occur in a complex and dynamic microenvironment which depends on the interplay between host cell responses and tumor activity. Chondroitin sulfate (CS), a special highly sulfated sugar, forms an important intermediate player in this respect. Depending on the (micro)structural diversity of chondroitin sulfate chains, various ligands interact with this special group of glycosaminoglycans, making it a key molecule for many physiological and pathological processes, including cancer development. This review focuses on the various functions of chondroitin sulfate in tumor growth, angiogenesis, dissemination and immunosilencing of ovarian cancer. We also shed light on possible future diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for ovarian cancer based on the large variety in chondroitin sulfate microstructure and function. It is concluded that the class of chondroitin sulfate represents an attractive target to interfere with the process of ovarian tumorigenesis.
ISSN:0090-8258
1095-6859
DOI:10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.08.023