Serum soluble matrix metalloproteinase and cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases( MMPs) are a group of zinc dependent extracellular protease family.MMPs share a common domain structure with different substrate specificity,different cellular origin and inducibility.The major function of MMPs is to degrade and remodel the extracellular components. There are more than 20 MMPs members have been confirmed so far. The MMPs can be categorized into gelatinase( MMP-2 and MMP-9),interstitial collagenase( MMP-1,MMP-8,and MMP-13),and other types based on their substrate specificity. Studies have demonstrated that the activity of MMPs is associated with cancer cell proliferation,migration,and differentiation. The degradation of extracellular matrix by MMPs results in the invasion,migration,and metastasis of cancer cells. Over expression of MMPs have been found in various types of tumors. Studies also showed that serum MMPs level is correlated with their tissue expression and associated with cancer progression,prognosis,and response to chemotherapy.Serum or plasma MMPs analysis is a simple,fast with low cost method,thus,it is very helpful in cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction.