title: New functions for the matrix metalloproteinases in cancer progression.
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with cancer-cell invasion and metastasis. This provided the rationale for clinical trials of MMP inhibitors, unfortunately with disappointing results. We now know, however, that the MMPs have functions other than promotion of invasion, have substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix, and that they function before invasion in the development of cancer. With this knowledge in hand, can we rethink the use of MMP inhibitors in the clinic?
authors: Department of Anatomy, University of California at San Francisco, 94143-0452, USA. egeblad@itsa.ucsf.edu
authors: Mikala
authors: M
authors: Egeblad
authors: Zena
authors: Z
authors: Werb
mesh_terms: D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases