Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate a wide range of biological activities in both physiological and pathological conditions. Altered expression or deregulated function of HSPGs and their he Show more
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate a wide range of biological activities in both physiological and pathological conditions. Altered expression or deregulated function of HSPGs and their heparan sulfate (HS) chains significantly contribute to carcinogenesis as well and crucially depends on the functioning of the complex system of HS biosynthetic/modifying enzymes termed as "GAGosome". Here, we aimed at investigating the expression profile of the system in a cell culture model of stroma-epithelial crosstalk and searching for transcription factors potentially related to the regulation of expression of the genes involved. Coculture of BjTERT-fibroblasts with normal PNT2 human prostate epithelial cells resulted in significant downregulation (2-4-fold) of transcriptional activity of HS metabolism-involved genes ( Show less
Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive cancer with a high probability of recurrence, despite active chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and dexamethasone (DXM). These systemic drugs affect the glyco Show more
Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive cancer with a high probability of recurrence, despite active chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and dexamethasone (DXM). These systemic drugs affect the glycosylated components of brain tissue involved in GB development; however, their effects on heparan sulfate (HS) remain unknown. Here, we used an animal model of GB relapse in which SCID mice first received TMZ and/or DXM (simulating postoperative treatment) with a subsequent inoculation of U87 human GB cells. Control, peritumor and U87 xenograft tissues were investigated for HS content, HS biosynthetic system and glucocorticoid receptor (GR, Show less