Thrombin is a naturally occurring proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. responsible for the clotting of blood in normal tissue. High levels of thrombin in cancer patients, however, are correlated with serious health threats. When the body is under stress, it triggers an inflammatory response, which signals the body to increase thrombin production. There are several negative results from this response. First, this elevated level of thrombin increases a patient’s chances of developing a blood clot. Second, thrombin also aids in the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesisThe formation of blood vessels. This process is required for a tumor to grow past a small size since the blood delivers nutrients to the cells in the tumor mass.) and is capable of breaking down the extracellular matrixA complex of proteins and glycoproteins that surrounds the cells in our tissues and organs. Cells can attach to the extracellular matrix via proteins on their surfaces. The extracellular matrix is used for attachment and to help organize the cells. (which could facilitate metastasis). Scientists have known that anti-coagulants help cancer treatment, but only recently have the details of how this approach works come to light.
Recent work has shown that p38 MAPK, a protein known to be involved in the regulation of cell death via apoptosisAlso called programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs throughout the lives of almost all animals and plants. The death of the cells is a carefully controlled process that does not generate any inflammation., also plays a role in the elevated levels of thrombin seen in cancer. The results open up a new potential target for cancer treatments.
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