Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
07:41
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Matrix metalloproteinases in tumorigenesis: an evolving paradigm
Hui Hua1, Minjing Li, Ting Luo
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Signal Transduction and Molecular Targeted Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are vital in cancer development and metastasis. While targeted therapies show promise, clinical trial results for MMP suppression have been disappointing, necessitating a review of their complex roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are critical for biological processes like tissue remodeling and tumorigenesis.
- MMPs, a family of over 20 enzymes, have diverse functions and are extensively studied in human cancers.
- While known for roles in late-stage cancer progression, MMPs are increasingly implicated in early tumorigenesis, including malignant transformation and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tumorigenesis.
- To discuss the complex involvement of MMPs in various stages of cancer development and progression.
- To examine strategies for suppressing MMPs in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MMP expression, activity, and function in cancer.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data regarding MMP inhibitors.
- Synthesis of information on the dual roles of MMPs in tumor promotion and suppression.
Main Results:
- MMPs play significant roles in tumor initiation, growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
- Evidence suggests MMPs can have context-dependent roles, with some potentially protecting against tumorigenesis.
- Despite preclinical promise, clinical trials of MMP suppression therapies have yielded disappointing results.
Conclusions:
- MMPs exhibit complex and often contradictory roles in cancer progression.
- The therapeutic targeting of MMPs requires a nuanced understanding of their specific functions and interactions.
- Further research into MMPs and their inhibitors is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
A...
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...