EMMPRIN (CD147), an inducer of matrix metalloproteinase synthesis, also binds interstitial collagenase to the tumor cell surface

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), also known as bas igin or CD147, is a glycoprotein that Is enriched on the surface of tumor c ells and stimulates production of several matrix metalloproteinases by adja cent stromal cells. In this study, we have found that EMMPRIN not only stim ulates the production of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) but also forms a complex with MMP-1 at the tumor cell surface, Complex formation was demonst rated by phage display, affinity chromatography, and immunocytochemistry, P resentation of MMP-1 complexed to EMMPRIN at the tumor cell surface may be important in modifying the tumor cell pericellular matrix to promote invasi on.