Regulation of Carcinogenesis, Angiogenesis and Metastasis by the Proprotein Convertases (PC's)

Convertases are widely expressed activating enzymes involved in various physiological and pathological processes. The purpose of this book is to provide detailed and updated information on the role of these molecules in cancer. This book is the first to summarize current knowledge about the importance of protein precursors maturation by the convertases in tumor progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. In each chapter, the importance of the convertases in the activation of various cancer-related molecules including growth factors, adhesion molecules and proteases is discussed. Also this book covers the role of some convertases in the clinical setting. The book will be of interest to basic researchers as well as clinicians. It will also interest those working in the cancer research area and the pharmaceutical industry, who are looking for new strategies in cancer therapy. Finally, this book is also a useful reference for researchers and clinicians pursuing research on growth factors, adhesion molecules, proteases and their implications in the processes of tumor progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. TOC:Preface. Introduction. List of Contributors.- 1. Discovery of the proprotein convertases and their inhibitors.- 2. Signalling pathways leading to furin expression in cancer.- 3. Pace4 gene expression in human ovarian cancer.- 4. Proprotein convertases in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis.- 5. Proprotein convertases, Metalloproteases and tumor cell invasion.- 6. Modulation of integrin function by endoproteolytic processing: Role in tumor progression.- 7. Growth factors: to cleave or not to cleave.- 8. Evaluation of anti-proprotein convertase activity of diterpene andrographolid derived products.