Matrix metalloproteinases in tumour invasion and metastasis

S Curran, G I Murray

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature review

623 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of proteolytic enzymes, which are involved in the degradation of many different components of the extracellular matrix. The MMPs have been classified into different groups including collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, and others, particularly membrane-type MMPs, based mainly on the in vitro substrate specificity of individual MMPs. There is increasing evidence to indicate that individual MMPs have important roles in tumour invasion and metastasis. However, the current concept of the role of MMPs in tumour invasion is that they not only have a direct role in tumour invasion by facilitating extracellular matrix degradation, but as a consequence they also have an important role in maintaining the tumour micro-environment and thus promoting tumour growth. Inhibiting the action of MMPs represents a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of individual types of cancer and several broad-spectrum, low-molecular-weight MMP inhibitors are currently being assessed for clinical use. This review examines the role of MMPs in tumour invasion and metastasis, with an emphasis on studies of clinical relevance. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)300-308
Number of pages9
JournalThe Journal of pathology
Volume189
Publication statusPublished - 1999

Keywords

  • matrix metalloproteinase
  • collagenase
  • neoplasm
  • breast
  • colon
  • lung
  • tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase
  • MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION
  • HUMAN GASTRIC CARCINOMAS
  • HUMAN PROSTATE-CANCER
  • TISSUE INHIBITOR
  • COLORECTAL-CANCER
  • BREAST-CANCER
  • IV COLLAGENASE
  • MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES
  • GELATINASE-A
  • CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Matrix metalloproteinases in tumour invasion and metastasis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this