Title:Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinases, an Old Story with New Potentials for Cancer Treatment
Volume: 12
Issue: 7
Author(s): Dimitris Stellas and Evangelia Patsavoudi
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Matrix metalloproteinases, Cancer, Monoclonal antibodies, Inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, hemopexin-like, propeptide, glycosylphosphatidylinositol, melanoma cell, angiogenesis.
Abstract: Five decades of extensive research have passed since the description for the first time of the existence of an enzyme, which
had the ability to degrade collagen during the metamorphosis of tadpoles. In fact, during these years, a large family of enzymes
possessing the unique ability of degrading the extra cellular matrix (ECM) has been discovered. These enzymes are widely known as
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and it is noteworthy that many members of this family are directly linked to several human diseases
such as arthritis and cancer. Moreover, due to the critical role of certain members of MMPs in cancer invasion and metastasis, great
efforts have been made in order to find new inhibitory compounds against these MMPs. In this work we attempt to summarize the current
status of the intervention strategies against MMPs, using inhibitory compounds that could block the activation of MMPs directly or
indirectly. Furthermore we will try to shed light towards new potential strategies of MMP inhibitors using monoclonal antibodies.
