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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Experimental Metastasis Assay
Published on: August 24, 2010
Expression of matrilysin (matrix metalloproteinase-7) in primary cutaneous and metastatic melanoma
K Kawasaki1, T Kawakami, H Watabe
1Department of Dermatology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan.
Background:
Matrilysin (MMP-7), a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteins, is expressed in various types of malignant tumours. There have been no previous studies of the correlation between matrilysin expression and melanoma.
Objectives:
Protein expression of matrilysin was evaluated in human cutaneous melanomas, metastatic melanomas, acquired common melanocytic naevi and Spitz naevi, and the data were corrected with the clinicopathological factors.
Methods:
We retrospectively investigated 18 primary melanomas, 15 metastatic melanomas, 10 common melanocytic naevi and five Spitz naevi samples at our clinic using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Both promatrilysin and active matrilysin were found in the melanoma tissue extracts by Western immunoblotting. In situ hybridization demonstrated that melanoma cells selectively express matrilysin mRNA.
Results:
Of the melanoma samples, 29 of 33 (87 x 9%) were positive for matrilysin, including 14 of 18 (77 x 8%) primary cutaneous melanomas and 15 of 15 (100%) metastatic melanomas. In contrast, matrilysin was not expressed in common naevi or Spitz naevi. The matrilysin IHC staining score in primary melanomas was associated with the presence of metastases, tumour thickness and TNM staging (P=0 x 001, 0 x 025 and 0 x 021, respectively). The 5-year overall survival was 26.3% for matrilysin-positive cases and 100% for matrilysin-negative cases among melanoma specimen.
Conclusions:
We found matrilysin expression in primary melanomas and in metastatic melanomas. We further demonstrated that the matrilysin IHC staining score was associated with invasive depth of primary melanoma lesions and metastases. Our observations indicate that matrilysin may be associated with melanoma progression, and may enhance melanoma tumour cell invasion. Therefore, matrilysin may be potentially valuable as a prognostic indicator to predict the clinical behaviour of melanoma.
Insights
Matrilysin (MMP-7) is expressed in melanomas but not benign moles. Higher matrilysin levels correlate with melanoma progression and poorer survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrilysin (MMP-7), a matrix metalloproteinase, is found in various cancers.
- Its role in melanoma, particularly its correlation with clinicopathological factors, has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate matrilysin protein expression in human cutaneous melanomas, metastatic melanomas, common melanocytic nevi, and Spitz nevi.
- To correlate matrilysin expression with clinicopathological factors and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to analyze 18 primary melanomas, 15 metastatic melanomas, 10 common nevi, and 5 Spitz nevi.
- Western immunoblotting confirmed the presence of promatrilysin and active matrilysin.
- In situ hybridization identified matrilysin mRNA expression in melanoma cells.
Main Results:
- Matrilysin was detected in 87.9% of melanoma samples (77.8% primary, 100% metastatic), but not in nevi.
- Matrilysin IHC scores correlated with metastases, tumor thickness, and TNM staging (P<0.05).
- Five-year survival was significantly lower for matrilysin-positive melanoma cases (26.3%) compared to negative cases (100%).
Conclusions:
- Matrilysin is expressed in primary and metastatic melanomas.
- Matrilysin expression is linked to melanoma progression, invasion, and depth.
- Matrilysin shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for melanoma clinical behavior.
