Heparanase is an enzyme that cleaves heparan sulfate, a component of the extracellular matrix and cell surface proteoglycans. It plays a significant role in various biological processes, including cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.
Heparanase promotes tumor cell proliferation, growth and angiogenesis within the tumor cells, at the cell surface, and within the tumor microenvironment.
Heparanase expression is enhanced in almost all cancers.
Heparanase degrades heparan sulfate chains, leading to the release of growth factors and cytokines that can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
By remodeling the extracellular matrix, heparanase facilitates tumor cell invasion and migration, contributing to the metastatic spread of cancer.
Heparanase is often overexpressed in various tumors, and its activity is associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and poor clinical outcomes.
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