Role of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in tumors
Coronato, S.; Laguens, G.; Di Girolamo, V.
Medicina 72(6): 495-502
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7680 PMID: 23241294 Document Number: 660976
Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in different physiological and pathological processes. They regulate several signaling pathways in cell growth, inflammation and angiogenesis. The MMPs modulate the complex tumor microenvironment and are involved in the early stages of carcinogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasic processes. MMPs participate in the processing of bioactive molecules such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Their substrates are the extracellular matrix proteins and endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs) regulate their functions. The accurate balance between these two molecules, MMPs and TIMPs, is critical for maintaining homeostasis. Due to their role in cancer biology, MMPs are potential targets for future therapeutic strategies of this malignant disease.