The role of selected matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in colorectal cancer development

摘要

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The development of this tumor is a complex, long-term, and multi-step process, from small dysplastic lesions of normal colorectal mucosa, through adenomatous polyps, to carcinoma in situ. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. MMP-9 is able to degrade collagen IV from basement membranes and extracellular matrix, which is associated with tumor progression, including invasion, metastasis, growth, migration, and angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that increased expression of MMP-9 plays a crucial role in the development of several human malignancies, including colorectal cancer. Increased expression of MMP-9 correlated with tumor stage, invasiveness, and poor survival of colorectal cancer patients.