Deciphering the genetic alterations in matrix metallo-proteinase gene family and its putative association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) a group of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes which play a key role in tumorigenesis by degrading almost all extracellular matrix (ECM) components. MMPs are associated with tumour progression including invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis and poor prognosis. Genetic alterations such as single nucleotide variations and other gross chromosomal abnormalities have been found to drive the process of malignant transformation.