Membrane associated matrix metalloproteinases in metastasis.
Hematogenous metastasis is postulated to involve tumor cell-initiated degradation of basement membrane barriers and underlying connective tissue matrices. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that have been implicated in the proteolytic events of tumor cell invasion. Research has revealed a class of membrane-anchored metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) and has provided convincing evidence that these enzymes activate latent MMP-2 (72 kDa gelatinase A) on the cell surface. The activation of plasma membrane associated MMP is a potential mechanism for facilitation of cellular metastasis and requires consideration when addressing potential roles of MMPs in tumor progression. This review focuses on potential in vivo regulatory mechanisms of membrane-associated MMP activity in the context of tumor cell interaction with matrix macromolecules. BioEssays 1999;21:940-949.
Ellerbroek
S M
SM
Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Cell & Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Stack
M S
MS
D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000201:enzymology*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000737:chemistry*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2