Heparanase inhibitors in antiangiogenic and antimetastatic cancer therapy

Objective

Inhibition of heparanase overexpressed by tumours, preventing not only the release and activation of angiogenic growth factors stored by heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans but also the disruption of the basement membrane and the extracellular matrix is regarded as a very promising strategy to develop anticancer drugs. This project aims at:
a) mapping the binding sites of heparanase for HS;
b) determining the structural requirements of HS-like polysaccharides for interaction with the enzyme as substrates and as inhibitors;
c) improving the heparanase-inhibiting properties of polysaccharides by generating specific sulfation patterns optimised on biological activity (inhibition of heparanase, antimetastatic-antiangiogenic activity).

These aims will be pursued through a study of the inhibition of heparanase with natural and synthetic HS-like oligo/polysaccharides, glycomimetics, and its in vivo effects.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › carbohydrates
• medical and health sciences › clinical medicine › oncology
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins › enzymes

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-3. - Key action The "Cell factory"

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

ISTITUTO SCIENTIFICO DI CHIMICA E BIOCHIMICA "G.RONZONI"

Address

Via Giuseppe Colombo 81
20133 Milano
Italy

Participants (6)

BIOTIE THERAPIES OY LTD

Finland

Address

Tykistoekatu 6
20520 Turku / Abo

HADASSAH MEDICAL ORGANIZATION

Israel

Address

Kiryat Hadassah, Ein Kerem
91120 Jerusalem

Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences

Slovakia

Address

Dubravska Cesta 9
84538 Bratislava

Links

SIGMA TAU INDUSTRIE FARMACEUTICHE RIUNITE S.P.A

Italy

Address

Viale Shakerpeare 7
00144 Roma

THE UNIVERSITY OF MILANO

Italy

Address

Via Venezian 21
20133 Milano

UPPSALA UNIVERSITY

Sweden

Address

Sankt Olofsgatan 10 B
75105 Uppsala