What Is the Role of Serine Protease Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy?
Serine protease inhibitors, also known as serpins, play a vital role in regulating protease activity. In the context of cancer, these inhibitors can prevent the degradation of the ECM and inhibit the activation of other proteases and growth factors. Serpins such as PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) have been studied for their potential to inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the dual role of serpins in both promoting and inhibiting cancer progression complicates their therapeutic application.
