Matrix Metalloproteinases In Cancer Biology: A Review
- Author:
Ibrahim WN
- Collective Name: Abdull Rasad MSB & Doolanea AA
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Matrix Metalloproteinases, cancer, epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2019;18(2):147-152
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteinases that are involved with the enzymatic breakdown
of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane components. These enzymes are important in regulating
vital physiological functions such as embryonic development, wound healing and tissue remodelling.
However, several disorders may result from the exaggerated function of these enzymes such as ulcers,
rheumatoid arthritis and invasive tumours. In tumours, the effect of these enzymes is not limited to invasion
as it was traditionally believed but it also extends to the other oncogenic hallmark processes such as
proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and evasion from apoptosis. Therefore, it is
essential to thoroughly understand the molecular mechanisms involved in these enzymes in cancerous tissue
based on recent literature. Several reviews have highlighted the function of these enzymes in malignancies
however the aim of this was to provide more recent overview to their role in malignant transformation and
progression and in a briefer approach summarizing the complex molecular pathways. Online databases such
as PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and MEDLINE were used to identify relevant articles. This
approach would assist researchers by providing a list of the potential molecular targets in the sequence of
changes related to these enzymes. This might help in designing a safer and a more specific targeted
treatment for patients with cancer.
- Full text:180221.pdf
