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Semin Thromb Hemost 2008; 34(2): 147-153
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1079254
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Tissue Factor and Protease-Activated Receptor Signaling in Cancer

Florence Schaffner1 , 3 , Wolfram Ruf2 , 3
  • 1Research Associate
  • 2Professor
  • 3Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 July 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The activation of the coagulation cascade in the tumor microenvironment is a key feature of advanced malignancies. On tumor cells, tissue factor (TF) plays a central role to initiate cross-talk through the release of procoagulant microparticles or through direct, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated cell signaling that leads to the production of soluble cytokines and angiogenic growth factors. In addition, the hemostatic system in the host compartment sustains crucial circuits that promote metastasis and support tumor growth and angiogenesis. Experimental tumor and genetic models have defined specific pathways that are supported by tumor cell and host TF and have identified potential therapeutic modalities to specifically interrupt TF signaling in tumor biology without impairment of hemostatic functions.

KEYWORDS

Tissue factor - breast cancer - coagulation - protease-activated receptors - angiogenesis

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Wolfram RufM.D. 

Department of Immunology, SP258, The Scripps Research Institute

10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

Email: ruf@scripps.edu