Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is associated with nearly every tumor type. Although many studies have shown that MMPs can promote malignancy, recent evidence has revealed that MMPs can play a causative role also in the earliest stages of cancer development.

MMPs not only compromise cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion processes that impact genomic surveillance mechanisms but also act directly on molecules at the cell surface to stimulate physiological processes that cause genetic alterations.

Members

Pathology

 MMP3 (MIM.185250) (variants in coronary heart disease susceptibility)

References

 Radisky DC, Bissell MJ. Matrix metalloproteinase-induced genomic instability. Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2006 Feb;16(1):45-50. PMID: #16377172#

 Ortega N, Behonick DJ, Werb Z. Matrix remodeling during endochondral ossification. Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Feb;14(2):86-93. PMID: #15102440#

 Stamenkovic I. Extracellular matrix remodelling: the role of matrix metalloproteinases. J Pathol. 2003 Jul;200(4):448-64. PMID: #12845612#

 Overall CM, Lopez-Otin C. Strategies for MMP inhibition in cancer: innovations for the post-trial era. Nat Rev Cancer. 2002 Sep;2(9):657-72. PMID: #12209155#

 Rhee JS, Coussens LM. RECKing MMP function: implications for cancer development. Trends Cell Biol. 2002 May;12(5):209-11. PMID: #12062160#

 Chang C, Werb Z. The many faces of metalloproteases: cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Trends Cell Biol. 2001 Nov;11(11):S37-43. PMID: #11684441#