Abstract:Background and Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix components and that have been implicated in a wide range of pathological processes including tumor metastasis. Although many small-molecule MMP inhibitors have been developed, there are some problems related to specificity and side effects. In addition, recent studies have shown that several MMPs have nonproteolytic and tumor-suppressing functions depending upon the stage of cancer progr… Show more
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