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Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews 3/2020

01-09-2020

The role of fibroblast activation protein in health and malignancy

Authors: Allison A. Fitzgerald, Louis M. Weiner

Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews | Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type-II transmembrane serine protease expressed almost exclusively to pathological conditions including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. Across most cancer types, elevated FAP is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Despite the clear association between FAP and disease severity, the biological reasons underlying these clinical observations remain unclear. Here we review basic FAP biology and FAP’s role in non-oncologic and oncologic disease. We further explore how FAP may worsen clinical outcomes via its effects on extracellular matrix remodeling, intracellular signaling regulation, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. Lastly, we discuss the potential to exploit FAP biology to improve clinical outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
The role of fibroblast activation protein in health and malignancy
Authors
Allison A. Fitzgerald
Louis M. Weiner
Publication date
01-09-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Cancer and Metastasis Reviews / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0167-7659
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7233
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-020-09909-3

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