title: MicroRNAs in the Regulation of MMPs and Metastasis.
abstract: MicroRNAs are integral molecules in the regulation of numerous physiological cellular processes including cellular differentiation, proliferation, metabolism and apoptosis. Their function transcends normal physiology and extends into several pathological entities including cancer. The matrix metalloproteinases play pivotal roles, not only in tissue remodeling, but also in several physiological and pathological processes, including those supporting cancer progression. Additionally, the contribution of active MMPs in metastatic spread and the establishment of secondary metastasis, via the targeting of several substrates, are also well established. This review focuses on the important miRNAs that have been found to impact cancer progression and metastasis through direct and indirect interactions with the matrix metalloproteinases.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. m.abba@dkfz.de.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abba
authors.affiliation: Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. n.patil@dkfz.de.
authors.forename: Nitin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.affiliation: Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. heike.allgayer@umm.de.
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Allgayer