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Emerging roles of MT-MMPs in embryonic development

Natalia Moracho1, Ana I R Learte2, Emma Muñoz-Sáez3

  • 1Department of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain.

Developmental Dynamics : an Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists
|July 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) are crucial for embryonic development, influencing cell migration, tissue formation, and nervous system development. This review highlights their roles beyond cancer research.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) are cell surface proteinases.
  • They degrade extracellular matrix and activate cell-surface molecules.
  • Their role in embryonic development is understudied compared to cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the involvement of MT-MMPs in embryonic morphogenesis.
  • To summarize MT-MMP functions in processes like cell migration, EMT, and angiogenesis.
  • To compare embryonic roles with functions in pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MT-MMPs in embryonic development.
  • Analysis of research on MT-MMP functions in cancer and other pathologies.
  • Comparison of findings to understand conserved and distinct roles.

Main Results:

  • MT-MMPs are implicated in embryonic cell migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
  • They play roles in axon guidance, synapse formation, and angiogenesis during development.
  • Pathological functions of MT-MMPs offer insights into their developmental roles.

Conclusions:

  • MT-MMPs are essential regulators of embryonic development and morphogenesis.
  • Understanding MT-MMP functions in development is critical for regenerative medicine and disease research.
  • Further investigation into MT-MMP mechanisms during embryogenesis is warranted.
Keywords:
angiogenesisaxon guidancecell migrationcell polarityembryonic developmentepithelial-mesenchymal transitionmetalloproteinasesynaptogenesis

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