title: [Structure, function and regulation of MMPs].
abstract: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of proteolytic enzymes, which are involved in the degradation of many different components of the extracellular matrix. The MMPs have been classified into different groups including collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, membrane-type MMPs, etc. There is increasing evidence to indicate that MMPs play important roles in tumour invasion and metastasis. Moreover, MMPs not only play a direct role in tumour invasion by facilitating extracellular matrix degradation, but as a consequence they also have an important role in maintaining the tumour micro-environment and thus promoting tumour growth. In this paper, the structure, function and regulation of MMPs were reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Surgical Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041.
authors.forename: Zhimin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zongguang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases