Diagnostic and prognostic role of matrix metalloproteases in cancer.

Expert Opin Med Diagn

Turku University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, POB 52, FIN-20521 Turku, Finland +358 2 313 0804 ; +358 2 313 2809 ;

Published: September 2008

Background: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key players in the progression and metastasis of cancer. MMPs cleave extracellular matrix components and in this way promote tumor growth, invasion and vascularization. MMPs also affect tumor progression by regulating availability and activity of growth factors, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Accordingly, several MMPs have been found to serve as prognostic indicators in solid tumors. Usually the increased levels of MMPs in patients' tumor tissue or serum/plasma are associated with poor outcome. Interestingly, recent results show that certain MMPs also serve as tumor suppressors.

Objective: This review discusses the latest view on MMPs as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in cancer patients.

Methods: Studies with clinical samples of 70 or more patients are included in particular. In addition, the possible roles of MMPs in future molecular diagnostics and in the evaluation of therapeutic responses are discussed.

Conclusion: MMP-9 in particular has shown prognostic value in various types of tumor, and its measurement in circulation, urine or tumor tissue might help in clinical surveillance of otherwise problematic patient cases. There is upcoming new knowledge on MMPs in therapy response evaluation, in which MMPs might be useful together with CT scans and other clinically more established prognostic factors. Certain MMPs have a dual role in terms of cancer-modulating properties and thus it is essential to evaluate their expression and function in tumor cells and host environment to select validated therapy targets but spare MMP antitargets.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1517/17530059.2.9.1025DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

mmps
11
diagnostic prognostic
8
matrix metalloproteases
8
mmps serve
8
prognostic indicators
8
tumor tissue
8
tumor
7
prognostic role
4
role matrix
4
metalloproteases cancer
4

Similar Publications

Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates the biological changes in rabbit corneas caused by two light-activated corneal stiffening methods: riboflavin with UVA and WST11 with NIR.
  • Differentially expressed proteins were identified following treatments, showing RF-D/UVA affected cell metabolism and keratocyte differentiation, while WST-D/NIR influenced extracellular matrix regulation.
  • The findings reveal a metabolic shift towards glycolysis in RF-D/UVA treated corneas compared to normal respiration in WST-D/NIR treated corneas, highlighting the distinct biological effects of each treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators during gastric cancer (GC) development and may be viable treatment targets. In the present study, we showed that the expression of the long intergenic noncoding RNA 01016 (LINC01016) is significantly higher in GC tissues with lymph node metastasis (LNM) than those without LNM. LINC01016 overexpression predicts a poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Although DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and RNA editor ADAR triplications exist in Down syndrome (DS), their specific roles remain unclear. DNMT methylates DNA, yielding S-adenosine homocysteine (SAH), subsequently converted to homocysteine (Hcy) and adenosine by S-adenosine homocysteine (Hcy) hydrolase (SAHH). ADAR converts adenosine to inosine and uric acid.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) has a unique spatial structure, including porous capillary endothelial cells, glomerular basal membrane (GBM) and highly specialized podocytes. This special structure is essential for the hemofiltration process of nephrons. GBM is the central meshwork structure of GFB formed by the assembly and fusion of various extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules, such as laminins and collagens, which undergo isoform transformation and maturation that may require precise regulation by metalloproteinases.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Specific immunohistochemical expression of Mmp-26 in prostatic adenocarcinoma.

An Acad Bras Cienc

January 2025

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50760-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been identified as biomarkers for several diseases, including cancer. The increase in the expression of these enzymes has been related to greater tumor aggressiveness. MMP-26 is expressed constitutively in the endometrium and some cancer cells of epithelial origin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!