Abstract
Mucins are large glycoproteins that form a protective layer along the lumens of the organs of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Frequently in tumors of the pancreas there are changes in the structure of mucin carbohydrates and/or levels of apomucin types. Originally mucins were of interest clinically because diagnostic tests could be based on their levels in circulation. More recently mucin directed monoclonal antibodies have been used to target tumors with cytotoxic agents. There is now a considerable literature on the development of mucin-based vaccines. Both monoclonal antibodies and vaccines could be powerful tools to specifically target tumor cells in distant metastases. Gene therapy based upon the MUC1 gene promoter is being investigated to target therapeutic genes to MUC1 expressing cells. The carbohydrates of mucins on the surface of tumor cells have been reported to inhibit cells of the immune system. These carbohydrates also act as ligands during the process of tumor cell metastasis. Another approach to therapy is to block interactions between the ligands and their receptors.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Mucins in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer
Volume: 6 Issue: 18
Author(s): Jenny J. L. Ho
Affiliation:
Abstract: Mucins are large glycoproteins that form a protective layer along the lumens of the organs of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Frequently in tumors of the pancreas there are changes in the structure of mucin carbohydrates and/or levels of apomucin types. Originally mucins were of interest clinically because diagnostic tests could be based on their levels in circulation. More recently mucin directed monoclonal antibodies have been used to target tumors with cytotoxic agents. There is now a considerable literature on the development of mucin-based vaccines. Both monoclonal antibodies and vaccines could be powerful tools to specifically target tumor cells in distant metastases. Gene therapy based upon the MUC1 gene promoter is being investigated to target therapeutic genes to MUC1 expressing cells. The carbohydrates of mucins on the surface of tumor cells have been reported to inhibit cells of the immune system. These carbohydrates also act as ligands during the process of tumor cell metastasis. Another approach to therapy is to block interactions between the ligands and their receptors.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
L. Ho J. Jenny, Mucins in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2000; 6 (18) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612003398609
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612003398609 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Fatty Acids - Induced Lipotoxicity and Inflammation
Current Drug Metabolism Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in Never Smokers: A Recent Review Including Genetics
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews TNF-α and Ghrelin: Opposite Effects on Immune System, Metabolism and Mental Health
Protein & Peptide Letters Targeting Gender Difference in the Introduction of New Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Disorders
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Types of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels: Molecular and Electrophysiological Views
Current Hypertension Reviews Current Advances in the Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pharmacologically Relevant 1,2,4,5-Tetrasubstituted-1H-Imidazole Derivatives
Current Organic Chemistry Curcumin: A Promising Agent Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Identification of New Pancreatic Beta Cell Targets for In Vivo Imaging by a Systems Biology Approach
Current Pharmaceutical Design Impact of Nutrients on the Functioning of Intestinal Goblet Cells: Health and Therapeutic Perspectives
Current Nutrition & Food Science TRPV1: On the Road to Pain Relief
Current Molecular Pharmacology MR Imaging Findings of Uterine Cervical Carcinoma
Current Medical Imaging Obesity and Arterial Compliance Alterations
Current Vascular Pharmacology Pharmacogenomics of Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes and Obesity
Recent Patents on Biotechnology The Pentacyclic Triterpenoids in Herbal Medicines and Their Pharmacological Activities in Diabetes and Diabetic Complications
Current Medicinal Chemistry Bioactive Compounds Effective Against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Targeting the Akt/PI3K Signaling Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Vitamin D - Pivotal Nutraceutical in the Regulation of Cancer Metastasis and Angiogenesis
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Importance of Melatonin and Mitochondria Interaction in Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia: A Current Assessment
Current Medicinal Chemistry Recent Patents on Oral Insulin Delivery
Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation Effects of Quinone Derivatives, such as 1,4-Naphthoquinone, on DNA Polymerase Inhibition and Anti-Inflammatory Action
Medicinal Chemistry