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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels
Published on: January 22, 2019
New functions for the matrix metalloproteinases in cancer progression
1Department of Anatomy, University of California at San Francisco, 94143-0452, USA. egeblad@itsa.ucsf.edu
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with cancer-cell invasion and metastasis. This provided the rationale for clinical trials of MMP inhibitors, unfortunately with disappointing results. We now know, however, that the MMPs have functions other than promotion of invasion, have substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix, and that they function before invasion in the development of cancer. With this knowledge in hand, can we rethink the use of MMP inhibitors in the clinic?
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