Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and extracellular matrix in Kaposi's sarcoma
M R Bongiorno1, S Doukaki, G Ferro
1Department of Dermatology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. istderm@unipa.it
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumorigenesis and may contribute to the mechanism of KS invasive growth. To date, only a few MMPs have been studied in KS lesions, and exactly which MMPs are involved in KS development and progression remains unanswered. However, MMPs 2 and 9 have been associated with different phases of angiogenesis, but their role in the proteolytic modification of the extracellular matrix has not been investigated. The results of this study confirm that MMPs, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, can contribute to angiogenesis by disrupting the vessel basement membrane and other extracellular matrix barriers, and enabling endothelial cells migration through the surrounding tissues.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix
The Tumor Microenvironment
Extracellular Matrix
