Activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) by the membrane-type matri
x metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) has been associated with tumor progression.
In the present study, we examined the role of MMP-2 and its activators MTI-
MMP, MT2-MMP and MT3-MMP in pancreatic tumor cell invasion and the developm
ent of the desmoplastic reaction characteristic of pancreatic cancer tissue
s. Northern blot analyses revealed that transcript levels of MTI-MMP and MT
2-MMP, but: not MT3-MMP, were enhanced in pancreatic cancer tissues (n = 18
) compared with both chronic pancreatitis (n = 9) and healthy pancreas (n =
9), A good correlation was found between MTI-MMP and both MMP-2 expression
(p < 0.01) and activity in pancreatic cancer tissues. In addition, express
ion and activation of MMP-2 were strongly associated with the extent of the
desmoplastic reaction in pancreatic cancer tissues. Invasion assays showed
a good correlation between MMP-2 expression and activity and the invasive
potential of pancreatic cancer cell lines. In cell lines with high levels o
f MMP-2 expression and activity, the MMP inhibitor Batimastat led to signif
icant reduction of the number of invading cells. Our results suggest that M
TI-MMP is involved in the progression of pancreatic cancer via activation o
f MMP-2. MMP-2 itself plays an important role in tumor cell invasion and ap
pears to be associated with the development of the characteristic desmoplas
tic reaction in pancreatic cancer. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.