Author: Barchi Jr., J.J.

Source: Current Drug Metabolism, Volume 6, Number 4, 1 March 2000 , pp. 485-501(17)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Tumorigenesis is accompanied by marked changes in the expression and presentation of various macromolecules at the cell surface. These tumor-associated adjustments result from the differential expression of genes coding for the production or post-translational modifications of these macromolecules during transformation to a particular tumor phenotype. In turn, tumor cells acquire distinct biophysical properties which set them apart from their normal counterparts. Alterations of carbo-hydrate structures and their organization on the surface of neoplastic cells is a hallmark of the tumorigenic and, most notably, the metastatic phenotype. Carbohydrate-protein and carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions are critical events in the progression, dissemination and invasion of cancer cells. Many cell-cell contacts and subsequent remodeling of the tumor microenvironment are mediated by cell-surface glycans. The discovery of agents that modulate these interactions or interfere with the processing of tumor associated oligosaccharides is a fervent area of research today. This review will highlight the current status of the use of carbohydrate-based compounds that are being evaluated as potential anticancer therapeutics. In addition, the use of structures based on glycopeptides and carbohydrate mimetics will also be discussed.

Keywords: carbohydrates and glycomimetics; anti cancer drug; glycoprocessing enzymes; glycosidase inhibitors; tumor vaccine design; Tn and Sialyl Tn and Tf; glycolipid based; polysacchrides and BRM; CD44 and Hyaluronan

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612003400876

Publication date: 2000-03-01

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• Current Pharmaceutical Design publishes timely in-depth reviews covering all aspects of current research in rational drug design. Each issue is devoted to a single major therapeutic area. A Guest Editor who is an acknowledged authority in a therapeutic field has solicits for each issue comprehensive and timely reviews from leading researchers in the pharmaceutical industry and academia.
  
  Each thematic issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design covers all subject areas of major importance to modern drug design, including: medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, drug targets and disease mechanism.

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