Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -1, -2, -3 and -9 promoter polymorphisms in colorectal cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of matrix-degrading proteins implicated in several pathological processes, e.g., invasion and metastasis in malignant diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC).

One hundred and twenty-seven CRC patients and 208 controls were genotyped for MMP-1, -2, -3 and -9 promoter polymorphisms. The genotyping was performed with PCR/primer-extension/DHPLC or PCR/RFLP.

The MMP-1 2G allele was significantly associated with CRC (p=0.037). No significant association between CRC and MMP-2, -3 or -9 polymorphisms was evident. The analysis of polymorphisms in the clinicopathological subgroups displayed no significant associations.

The MMP-1 promoter polymorphism seems to affect the susceptibility to CRC, while MMP-2, -3 and -9 polymorphisms appear less likely to have any impact on CRC.