TIMP-1 alters susceptibility to carcinogenesis.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are a family of multifunctional proteins known to possess a broad range of biological activities, including inhibition of metalloproteinase activity, regulation of proliferation and apoptosis of a variety of cell types, and, depending on the context, differential regulation of angiogenic and inflammatory responses. Elevated mRNA expression of TIMP family members correlates with malignancy and clinical outcome in many human cancer types; however, a protective role for TIMPs also has been observed in various mouse models of human cancer. In the current study, we found distinct spatial-temporal expression patterns for the mRNA of TIMP family members in a mouse model of epithelial carcinogenesis [i.

Epithelial carcinogenesis: dynamic interplay between neoplastic cells and their microenvironment.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been thought of as critical factors regulating matrix degradation associated with cell invasion into ectopic tissue compartments during primary tumor growth and metastasis. One member of the MMP family historically linked to these invasive processes is MMP-9/gelatinase B. By studying a transgenic mouse model of de novo epithelial carcinogenesis, new roles for MMP-9 have emerged that broaden the view of its functional contribution to malignant progression.

RECKing MMP function: implications for cancer development.

Cancer is a multistage process requiring progressive genetic and epigenetic changes in neoplastic and responding stromal cells. Many alterations that occur during the process of malignant progression are regulated by the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of extracellular proteases and their endogenous inhibitors. Recent work has identified a new cell-surface inhibitor of MMPs - RECK.