Combined deletion of cathepsin protease family members reveals compensatory mechanisms in cancer Journal Article


Authors: Akkari, L.; Gocheva, V.; Quick, M. L.; Kester, J. C.; Spencer, A. K.; Garfall, A. L.; Bowman, R. L.; Joyce, J. A.
Article Title: Combined deletion of cathepsin protease family members reveals compensatory mechanisms in cancer
Abstract: Proteases are important for regulating multiple tumorigenic processes, including angiogenesis, tumor growth, and invasion. Elevated protease expression is associated with poor patient prognosis across numerous tumor types. Several multigene protease families have been implicated in cancer, including cysteine cathepsins. However, whether individual family members have unique roles or are functionally redundant remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate stage-dependent effects of simultaneously deleting cathepsin B (CtsB) and CtsS in a murine pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor model. Early in tumorigenesis, the double knockout results in an additive re-duction in angiogenic switching, whereas at late stages, several tumorigenic phenotypes are unexpectedly restored to wild-type levels. We identified CtsZ, which is predominantly supplied by tumor-associated macrophages, as the compensatory protease that regulates the acquired tumor-promoting functions of lesions deficient in both CtsB and CtsS. Thus, deletion of multiple cathepsins can lead to stage-dependent, compensatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, which has potential implications for the clinical consideration of selective versus pan-family cathepsin inhibitors in cancer. © 2016 Akkari et al.
Keywords: macrophage; invasion; tumor microenvironment
Journal Title: Genes and Development
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0890-9369
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press  
Date Published: 2016-01-15
Start Page: 220
End Page: 232
Language: English
DOI: 10.1101/gad.270439.115
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4719311
PUBMED: 26773004
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 February 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Johanna A Joyce
    67 Joyce
  2. Leila Akkari
    15 Akkari
  3. Vasilena Gocheva
    15 Gocheva
  4. Robert L Bowman
    52 Bowman
  5. Jemila Caplan Kester
    4 Kester
  6. Marsha Lee Quick
    8 Quick