title: Status of research on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  MMPs are extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading enzymes that play a crucial role in embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, inflammation and angiogenesis. MMP-2 and -9 (also called type 2 and type 4 collagenase, or gelatinase A and B) are the key molecules that control invasion, tumor growth and metastasis. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) -2 and -1 are specific inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 respectively, and play a crucial role in regulation of MMP-2 and -9 activation, during pathophysiological processes. MMPs can specifically degrade native gelatin, collagens, fibronectin, ectactin and elastin. MMP-2 and -9 are overexpressed in almost all types of cancers, and so act as important therapeutic targets.
  
  
  METHODS
  The status of MMP research in India from 1998 to 2010. In this review, the authors cover the role of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in cancer therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As compared with other parts of the world, Indian scientists have not generated a significant number of specific MMP inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, or other diseases. MMPs and membrane type (MT)-MMPs are potentially important therapeutic targets in many diseases, including cancers, therefore, designing specific inhibitors from natural products or through synthetic routes, is crucial.
authors.forename: Anuradha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bulbule
authors.forename: Supriya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saraswati
authors.forename: Gopal C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Kundu
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases