- The FAP is a homodimeric integral membrane gelatinase belonging to the serine protease family. FAP is expressed in reactive stromal fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, granulation tissue of healing wounds, and malignant cells of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. FAP involved in the control of fibroblast growth or epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during development, tissue repair, and epithelial carcinogenesis. In association with DPP4, FAP is involved in the pericellular proteolysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the migration and invasion of endothelial cells into the ECM. FAP may have a role in tissue remodeling during development and wound healing, and may contribute to invasiveness in malignant cancers.
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