Matriptase enzyme found to cause cancer

BETHESDA, Md., Aug 15, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A single, scissor-like enzyme called matriptase has been found to cause cancer, Bethesda, Md., researchers reported Monday.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research scientists say their finding marks the first report of a protein-cleaving enzyme, or protease, on the cell surface that can efficiently trigger formation of tumor cells.

The authors also note matriptase is the first known cell-surface protease that can act as an oncogene, an umbrella term for mutated genes and their proteins that prompt cells to divide too rapidly, a hallmark of tumor cells.

"What makes matriptase potentially such a good molecular target to treat cancer is its accessibility," said NIDCR scientist Thomas Bugge, the paper's senior author. "We don't have to trick the tumor cell to internalize a drug, then hope it reaches its destination in an appropriate concentration and duration. In this case, the bull's eye is right on the cell surface."

Since its discovery nearly 13 years ago, scientists have suspected matriptase might have a dark side. It's overly abundant in a variety of epithelial-derived tumors, including breast, prostate, ovarian, colon and oral carcinomas.

The study appears in the journal Genes and Development.