Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels
07:39

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels

Published on: January 22, 2019

8.0K

Matrix metalloproteinases: new directions toward inhibition in the fight against cancers

Susan E King1

  • 1Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.

Future Medicinal Chemistry
|February 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix. Researchers are exploring MMPs' structures and functions to develop targeted cancer therapies, aiming for selective inhibition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Enzymology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes crucial for extracellular matrix remodeling.
  • Overexpression of MMPs is a hallmark of various cancers, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis.
  • Current therapeutic strategies lack effective and selective MMP inhibition for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review MMP types, structures, and functions.
  • To explore the potential for developing targeted MMP inhibitors.
  • To identify exploitable differences among MMPs for selective drug development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MMP research.
  • Analysis of MMP structural and functional data.
  • Exploration of drug development strategies targeting MMPs.

Main Results:

  • MMPs play a critical role in cancer progression.
  • Understanding MMPs' diverse roles and structures is key to developing targeted therapies.
  • No new MMP inhibitors are currently approved for cancer treatment, but progress is being made.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting MMPs offers a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
  • Further research into MMPs' specific functions and structures is essential for selective drug design.
  • Advancements in understanding MMPs are paving the way for novel anti-cancer treatments.
Keywords:
allosteric inhibitionangiogenesisepithelial to mesenchymal transitionextracellular matrixspecificity loopzinc-binding groupszymogens

More Related Videos

Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography07:32

Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography

Published on: March 30, 2022

5.3K
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography09:30

Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography

Published on: November 8, 2010

85.2K

Related Concept Videos

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role 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...
3.7K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR 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...
5.0K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

1.6K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
6.8K
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.9K