Lactate Dehydrogenase-A (LDHA) is an enzyme present in the cells that play a critical role in making energy for your body. It belongs to the family of Lactate Dehydrogenases. When compared to normal tissues, human cancer cells have higher levels of LDHA. The enzyme contributes to the hallmarks of cancer. It helps in enhancing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Plus, it can also aid cancer cells in immune escape. Apart from that, LDHA can trigger the formation of new blood vessels.
In Regulating Carcinogenesis
The process of carcinogenesis mainly transforms normal cells into cancer cells. Angiogenesis is a part of it. By definition, angiogenesis is the process in which new blood vessels are formed. Numerous studies have shown Lactate Dehydrogenase-A can potentially regulate tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, LDHA expression was thought to be a vital component in the activation of VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2) phosphorylation.
Mainly, the regulation of carcinogenesis by LDHA expression depends upon the production of lactic acid. Such acidification in the tumor microenvironment produces VEGF. This can further induce neovascularization (formation of pro-angiogenic factors).
As a Biomarker for Cancer Diagnosis
As you may know, LDHA is present in cells. When cells are damaged, they start releasing into the bloodstream. Thus, the levels of LDHA in the blood are used as potential indicators of some suspicious activity inside the tissues.
Plus, serum LDHA levels are often increased in malignancies including lymphoma (Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Since tumor metastasis can lead to an elevated level of Lactate Dehydrogenase-A, this enzyme can be used as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis.
As a Target for Cancer Therapy
As discussed above, most tumors exhibit high levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase-A. Keeping this in mind, silencing LDHA levels in the tumor models can inhibit the growth of cancer cells (cell proliferation) and progression. Furthermore, medications that inhibit Lactate Dehydrogenase-A are as follows:
- Pyruvate‐competitive LDHA inhibitors like Oxamate
- NADH‐competitive LDHA inhibitors like Gossypol
- Pyruvate and NADH‐competitive LDHA inhibitors like N‐hydroxyindoles
- Free enzyme-binding inhibitors like Galloflavin
As of now, you may understand the role of Lactate Dehydrogenase-A in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. This article also describes some factors including how the process of carcinogenesis transforms normal cells into cancer cells, and how LDHA can trigger the formation of new blood vessels. The presence of LDHA expression in the blood acts as an indicator that gives signals of suspicious activity happening inside the tissues. Such activity leads is a sign of deadly disease including cancer. Moreover, LDHA is also a known cause of the progression of cancer and other related medical conditions. This makes it a valuable element of study in the future.
Source: http://writeus.me/the-role-of-lactate-dehydrogenase-a-in-carcinogenesis-and-cancer-therapy/
