Expression of Ets-related transcription factors and matrix metalloproteinase genes in human breast cancer cells.

The expression levels of ets and MMP genes was examined in two breast cancer cell lines of differing invasive potential. The more invasive MDA-MB-231 cell line had higher levels of Ets-1, Ets-2, PEA3, ERM, Tel, Net, MMP-13 and -14 mRNA than MCF-7 cells. MMP-1, -3 and -16 mRNAs were expressed equally.