Open AccessMatrix metalloproteinases: protective roles in cancer
Author(s) -
Decock Julie,
Thirkettle Sally,
Wagstaff Laura,
Edwards Dylan R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01302.x
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , metastasis , proteases , cancer research , cancer , biology , medicine , enzyme , bioinformatics , biochemistry
• Introduction• MMP‐3• MMP‐8• MMP‐9• MMP‐12• MMP‐19• MMP‐26• ConclusionsThe original notion that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) act as tumour and metastasis‐promoting enzymes by clearing a path for tumour cells to invade and metastasize has been challenged in the last decade. It has become clear that MMPs are involved in numerous steps of tumour progression and metastasis, and hence are now considered to be multifaceted proteases. Moreover, more recent experimental evidence indicates that some members of the MMP family behave as tumour‐suppressor enzymes and should therefore be regarded as anti‐targets in cancer therapy. The complexity of the pro‐ and anti‐tumorigenic and ‐metastatic functions might partly explain why broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitors failed in phase III clinical trials. This review will provide a focussed overview of the published data on the tumour‐suppressive behaviour of MMPs.