Levels of matrix metalloproteases in bladder cancer correlate with tumor grade and invasion.
We have used quantitative zymography to measure levels of the type IV collagenases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 in 42 biopsies of transitional cell carcinoma and in 7 biopsies of normal bladder. Mean levels of MMP-9 were significantly higher in tumor compared with normal samples (P = 0.08). Levels of MMP-9 and active MMP-2 increased with tumor grade (test for trend, P = 0.002 and P = 0.05, respectively). Levels of MMP-9 and activated MMP-2 were also higher in invasive tumors than in superficial ones (P = 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). In situ hybridization studies showed that the mRNAs for both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were located chiefly in the stroma rather than epithelial tumor cells and were concentrated at the interface between the two tissues.
Davies
B
B
Biological Therapies Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, United Kingdom.
Waxman
J
J
Wasan
H
H
Abel
P
P
Williams
G
G
Krausz
T
T
Neal
D
D
Thomas
D
D
Hanby
A
A
Balkwill
F
F
D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D017364:Collagenases / Q000032:analysis*; D018093:Gelatinases / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000032:analysis*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017364:Collagenases; D018093:Gelatinases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9