Heparanase: a key enzyme involved on cell invasion

摘要

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a complex network of macromolecules which fills the extracellular space in tissues and provides a molecular scaffolding for cells within different organs. Basement membranes are a specialised ECM that is produced as a thin, but tough, sheet-like structure by epithelial cells, endothelial cells and many mesenchymal cells (for review see [1]). The membrane provides physical support for cells and cell layers and represents a surface on which cells can migrate, proliferate and a major physical barrier to cell migration and, due to their dense structure, can act as a selective molecular sieve.