Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in turner invasion

Degradation of basement membranes and stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for invasion and metastasis of malignant cells. Degradation of ECM is initiated by proteinases secreted by different cell types participating in tumor cell, invasion, and increased expression or activity of every kno wn class of proteinases (metallo-, serine-, aspartic-, and cysteine) has be en linked to malignancy and invasion of tumor cells. Studies performed over the last decade have revealed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in tumor invasion. Expression of MMP genes is transcriptional ly regulated by a variety of extracellular factors including cytokines, gro wth factors, and cell. contact to ECM. This review will summarize the curre nt view on the role of MMPs in tumor growth, invasion, and survival, and fo cus on the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases and AP-1 and ETS trans cription factors in the regulation of MMP gene expression during invasion p rocess.