The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
Online ISSN : 1349-3329
Print ISSN : 0040-8727
ISSN-L : 0040-8727
Functional Role of Glycosphingolipids in Tumor Progression
SEN-ITIROH HAKOMORI
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1992 Volume 168 Issue 2 Pages 211-222

Details
Abstract

HAKOMORI, S. Functional Role of Glycosphingolipids in Tumor Progression. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 1992, 168 (2), 211-222 -Molecular modeling of glycosphingolipids (GSLs), and their organization in membranes, suggest that GSL “patches” provide binding sites for interaction with ligands and adjacent cells, and that GSLs or their catabolites modulate transmembrane signaling. Aberrant GSL expression is a ubiquitous phenotype common to essentially all types of tumors, and leads to (i) formation of tumor-associated antigens defind by a large variety of monoclonal anti-bodies; (ii) aberrant adhesion favoring metastasis and invasiveness of tumor cells; and (iii) aberrant catabolism leading to altered transmembrane signaling and loss of growth control. Classical immunotherapy is based on (i). New approaches termed “antiadhesion” and “anti-signaling” therapy, based on (ii) and (iii), are hereby proposed. -antiadhesion therapy; glycosphingolipids; integrin family; anti-signaling therapy; tumor-associated antigen

Information related to the author
© Tohoku University Medical Press
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top