Role of Tumor Collagenase Stimulating Factor in Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

摘要

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (EMMPRIN), a plasma membrane glycoprotein identified originally in carcinoma cells, is responsible for inducing Ireritumoral fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we have identified EMMPRIN in breast cancer tissue. We have characterized the human EMMPRIN gene and have noted a high degree of conservation with the mouse gene.