Copper-dependent enzyme involved in angiogenesis

Copper-dependent enzymes play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. These enzymes are required for the activation or secretion of several key angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Elevated serum copper levels are associated with increased tumor burden and poor prognosis. Therapeutic strategies targeting these enzymes—such as using copper chelators like tetrathiomolybdate—have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis, reduce microvascular density within tumors, impair tumor growth, and enhance sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The precise identity of all relevant enzymes remains under investigation; however, lysyl oxidase (LOX) is one example implicated in promoting tumor growth through its effects on extracellular matrix remodeling during angiogenesis. Copper homeostasis is thus an emerging target for cancer therapy due to its central role in supporting pathological blood vessel formation within tumors.

Other names

Copper-binding angiogenic enzymeAngiogenesis-related copper enzyme

Inhibition of copper-dependent enzymatic activity reduces tumor angiogenesis by decreasing endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and by reducing secretion of proangiogenic factors such as VEGF and bFGF; copper chelation disrupts redox balance and induces apoptosis in cancer cells