Wednesday 29 October 2003
Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is associated with nearly every tumor type. Although many studies have shown that MMPs can promote malignancy, recent evidence has revealed that MMPs can play a causative role also in the earliest stages of cancer development.
MMPs not only compromise cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion processes that impact genomic surveillance mechanisms but also act directly on molecules at the cell surface to stimulate physiological processes that cause genetic alterations.
MMP3 (MIM.185250) variants in coronary heart disease susceptibility
MMPs in cancer and metastasis
MMPs in HIV infection
- Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) might contribute to HIV-associated pathology by inducing remodelling of the extracellular matrix. (18029231)
- Antiretroviral drugs, particularly HIV protease inhibitors (PIs), and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as statins, natural omega-3 fatty acids and tetracyclines, which inhibit MMP function, might represent useful therapeutic approaches to mitigate potential MMP-related damage during HIV infection. (18029231)
Rhee JS, Coussens LM. RECKing MMP function: implications for cancer development. Trends Cell Biol. 2002 May;12(5):209-11. PMID: 12062160