Differential expression analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) inhuman esophageal cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the different expressions of MMP20 in the process of esophageal cancer. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and West ern blot were employed to detect the mRNA expression and protein expression of MMP20. Compared with the corresponding normal esophagus tissues, result s showed the common trend of the dramatical overexpression of MMP20 in the esophageal cancer tissues. The analysis of MMP20 expression in different cl inical early stages of esophageal cancer by RT-PCR indicated that MMP20 was much more overexpressed in the esophageal cancer with invasion than in the early stages. This suggested that MMP20 might play an important role in th e progression of esophageal cancer. It probably plays a critical role in tu mor invasion.