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Epilysin (MMP-28)--structure, expression and potential functions

Sara A Illman1, Jouko Lohi, Jorma Keski-Oja

  • 1Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute and Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Experimental Dermatology
|September 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Epilysin (MMP-28), a matrix metalloproteinase, plays a dual role in cancer, potentially promoting or inhibiting tumor progression. Its interaction with TGF-beta influences cell motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Epilysin (MMP-28) is a novel matrix metalloproteinase involved in extracellular matrix degradation.
  • MMPs regulate cell behavior, growth factors, and inflammatory pathways.
  • Epilysin is expressed in normal tissues, suggesting roles in homeostasis, and its expression varies in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of epilysin (MMP-28) in cancer progression.
  • To explore the interaction between epilysin and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of epilysin expression in different cancer types and stages.
  • Overexpression studies in epithelial lung carcinoma cells.
  • Investigation of epilysin's effect on TGF-beta signaling and cell motility.

Main Results:

  • Epilysin expression is altered in various cancers, with conflicting reports on its role.
  • Overexpression of epilysin in lung cancer cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via TGF-beta.
  • Epilysin may induce less permanent changes in TGF-beta signaling and cell motility under physiological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Epilysin's role in cancer is complex and context-dependent.
  • Epilysin interacts with TGF-beta, influencing EMT, cell migration, and invasion.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate epilysin's precise functions in different cancers and normal tissues.

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