がんの科学と治療

Matrix Metalloproteinases: New Targets in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Anibah Khalid and Muhammad Asim Javaid

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the entities responsible for eradicating the structure of extracellular matrix - ECM, are the zinc or calcium ion-dependent enzymes. This family of enzymes embodies a vast spectrum of proteases ranging from collagenases, stromelysins to the membrane type MMPs. The tasks linked with these enzymes are significant not only for a sound and stable development of the body but are also found guilty of carrying out angiogenesis, promoting tumor development and thus providing means to disseminate the cancer cells to the sites other than the primary tumor locale. At each step of angiogenesis, MMPs are operating, thereby featuring endothelial cells and several growth factors like VEGF, FGF, etc. Activation of pro-MMP2 with the involvement of MT1-MMP is one of the key steps that lead to the synthesis of blood vessels from an already existing one. For limiting the action of MMPs, various therapeutic techniques highlighting the mechanism of MMP inhibition have been studied. Several agents have been investigated for phase I, II and III clinical trials in combination with other anti-cancer therapies. Natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs, TIMPs have a limited half-life and are thus not suitable for the desired outcome. Synthetic agents like Marimastat and BMS-275291 have shown reliable results. Nonetheless, explicit research is required for novel agents being designed and synthesized to attenuate the activity of matrix metalloproteinases that are accountable for cancer metastasis.