The hemooxigenasa 1 as a mediator in The hemooxigenasa 1 (HO1) is an inducible enzyme involved in home metabolism and is expressed in lesions of patients affected by Kaposi’s sarcoma. Apparently, its expression in endothelial cells is regulated by the herpes virus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KSHV), although the exact mechanisms that induce the expression of HO1 by this virus are still unknown. A fully signed work by researchers at the Autonomous University of Madrid and published in the latest April issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry has been proposed to investigate the possible role of G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR)-product of one gene herpes virus linked to the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma-in activating the expression of HO1.

The answer to this question comes from the different evidence obtained in the laboratory. First, the researchers observed in endothelial cell lines and fibroblasts increased the level of HO1 mRNA and the protein itself, induced by vGPCR. Furthermore, inhibition of HO1 expression is correlated with a decrease in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which, in turn, would be induced by vGPCR. Moreover, in experimental animals that have been implanted cells that had previously induced overexpression of vGPCR has been observed tumor development with high activity of HO1. Finally, certain drugs HO1 inhibitors such as tin protoporphyrin (HNS), and other activators of the same, such as cobalt protoporphyrin (COPPA), seem to have a direct effect on the reduction and increase in tumor growth, respectively.

The researchers conclude that the role of the HO1 in tumor cells could be decisive in the progress of the disease, and that the application of certain drugs such as the HNS could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the future.