Biological activity and clinical implications of the matrix metalloproteinases
Language English Country Greece Media print
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
PubMed
18505085
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors therapeutic use MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Matrix Metalloproteinases metabolism MeSH
- Thyroid Neoplasms drug therapy enzymology MeSH
- Neoplasms drug therapy enzymology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors MeSH
- Matrix Metalloproteinases MeSH
The family of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) comprises several tightly regulated classes of proteases. These enzymes and their specific inhibitors play important roles in tumour progression and the metastatic process by facilitating extracellular matrix degradation. As scientific understanding of the MMPs has advanced, therapeutic strategies focusing on blocking these enzymes by matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors have rapidly developed. Low molecular weight tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs) represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of individual types of cancer. This paper aims to briefly summarize current knowledge about the role of MMPs in select non- tumorous lesions, tumor invasion and metastasis. The perspectives in therapeutic intervention in cancer are also mentioned. The role of MMPs in diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal and thyroid cancer is discussed in detail.
