Abstract
The lysosomal protease, pro-cathepsin D, is overexpressed and secreted by human breast cancers. In estrogen-responsive breast cancer cell lines, estrogens and growth factors stimulate cathepsin D expression through distinct mechanisms. Clinical studies indicate that high cathepsin D concentration in primary breast cancers is correlated with an increased risk of metastasis and particularly useful to orientate node-negative tumors towards an adjuvant therapy.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Breast Neoplasms / enzymology*
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Cathepsin D / biosynthesis
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Cathepsin D / physiology*
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Enzyme Induction / drug effects
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Estrogens* / pharmacology
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
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Humans
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Neoplasm Metastasis*
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Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
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Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / enzymology*
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / metabolism
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / pathology
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Prognosis
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Tumor Cells, Cultured / enzymology
Substances
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Estrogens
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Cathepsin D