Matrix metalloproteinases: molecular aspects of their roles in tumour invasion and metastasis

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, w hose physiological functions include tissue remodelling and embryogenesis. Thc importance of this group of proteins in the processes of tumour invasio n and metastasis is now widely acknowledged, and has led to the search for MMP inhibitors for use as anticancer treatments in a clinical setting. This review aims to bring the reader up-to-date with current research relating to MMPs, with particular emphasis on emerging mechanisms of regulation of t hese enzymes, and their interaction with cell adhesion molecules. The thera peutic inhibition of MMPs will also be discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.