MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES IN CANCER - PROGNOSTIC MARKERS AND TARGETS FOR THERAPY (REVIEW)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases whi ch catalyse degradation of diverse substrates in the extracellular mat rix. The family can be loosely divided into 4 subgroups, i.e., interst itial collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins and membrane-type MMPs. Data from model systems suggest that MMPs are involved in both stimula ting tumor cell growth and promoting invasion and metastasis. Consiste nt with their role in tumor progression, high levels of certain MMPs h ave been shown to correlate with poor prognosis in different human can cers. Inhibitors of MMPs prevent or decrease tumor progression in mode l systems and are currently undergoing evaluation for the treament of human cancers.