PERSPECTIVES ON METASTASIS AND SNAKE VENOMS
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Abstract
Metastasis is the major responsible for the death of cancer patients. This malignant feature implies the acquisition of protein machineries that allow cells to migrate, modify the extracellular matrix and form new blood vessels.
Since the discovery of disintegrins as ligands and blockers of integrins, many studies have demonstrated that snake venoms are a source of bioactive molecules with anti-metastatic effect. In this review, snake venom molecules are described as inhibitors of metastasis at different levels, pointing to a need for further research.
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