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Published on: December 19, 2019

MMPs' Impact on Carcinogenesis in Specific Organs and Systems

Marta Lewoc-Magnuszewska1, Barbara Choromańska1, Mateusz Maciejczyk2

  • 11st Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, 24a M. Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland.

Cancers
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key in cancer progression. Targeting specific MMPs, not all, is crucial for effective cancer therapy, moving beyond their matrix-degrading roles.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer presents significant global health and economic challenges.
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), zinc-dependent proteases, are implicated in carcinogenesis and metastasis.
  • MMPs' roles extend beyond extracellular matrix remodeling to intra- and extracellular signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics and functions of MMPs in various cancers.
  • To highlight MMPs' evolving roles in the tumor microenvironment.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of MMP inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MMP functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of MMPs' roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis.
  • Evaluation of evidence regarding MMP inhibition strategies.

Main Results:

  • MMPs are versatile regulators of signaling pathways.
  • MMPs act as complex modulators of the tumor microenvironment.
  • Non-selective MMP inhibition shows limited therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting specific MMPs is more promising than broad-spectrum inhibition.
  • Therapeutic strategies should consider specific MMPs and cancer stages.
  • A nuanced approach to MMPs is needed for effective cancer treatment.
Keywords:
MMPscarcinogenesismetalloproteinases

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