Role of cathepsins, in particular cathepsins B and D in breast cancer: Mechanisms and clinical implications

Abstract

Consistent with the biological relevance of cathepsins B and D, theiroverexpression, translational or post-translational modifications, and mitogeniceffects are hallmarks of breast cancer. Several studies have established a linkbetween increased expression of cathepsins B and D and tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. This review outlines the potential role of these twocathepsins, specifically in breast cancer, and different mechanisms involvedduring tumor progression and metastasis. The development of varioustherapeutic strategies, including specific inhibitors, gene targeted therapy, andantibodies against cathepsins in an attempt to curb breast tumor progressionholds a promising future. However, from a translational perspective, furtherextensive studies are needed in order to unravel the therapeutic abilities ofcathepsins B and D in controlling breast cancer.