[Role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis and therapy of leukemia]

The invasion and metastasis of malignant tumor cells are important factors causing the death of cancer patients. The proteolytic activity of proteinases to most of the extracellular matrix macromolecules is closely correlated with the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumor cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are key proteinases involved in these processes. MMP is a type of Zn(2+)-depended proteinases. MMP2 and MMP9 are the unique types of proteinase that hydrolyze the bone structure of excellulary matrix (type IV collagen). So they are particularly correlated with leukemia cells infiltration and metastasis. This review aims to introduce the function of MMP and the regulation of matrix gene expression, as well as their roles in leukemia cell invasion and metastasis. A new strategy that MMP may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of leukemia is particularly introduced.