MMP9 potentiates pulmonary metastasis formation.
Tumor cell dissemination to distant organ sites is a complex process involving multiple cell types, soluble growth factors, adhesion receptors, and tissue remodeling. A new study in this issue of Cancer Cell shows that MMP9-expressing tumor-associated macrophages play a key role in prepping premetastatic sites for eventual malignant cell growth in a manner dependent upon vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1).
van Kempen
Léon C L
LC
Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco 2340 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Coussens
Lisa M
LM
D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000502:physiology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000378:metabolism*
D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9