title: Biological activity and clinical implications of the matrix metalloproteinases.
abstract: The family of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) comprises several tightly regulated classes of proteases. These enzymes and their specific inhibitors play important roles in tumour progression and the metastatic process by facilitating extracellular matrix degradation. As scientific understanding of the MMPs has advanced, therapeutic strategies focusing on blocking these enzymes by matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors have rapidly developed. Low molecular weight tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs) represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of individual types of cancer. This paper aims to briefly summarize current knowledge about the role of MMPs in select non- tumorous lesions, tumor invasion and metastasis. The perspectives in therapeutic intervention in cancer are also mentioned. The role of MMPs in diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal and thyroid cancer is discussed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Medical Social Faculty of University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rydlova
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Holubec
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ludvikova
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kalfert
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Franekova
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Povysil
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ludvikova
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases