Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Breast Cancer Tissues

Abstract

Abstract. BACKGROUND:Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the world today. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that can degrade extracellular matrix proteins and promote cell invasion and metastasis. MMPs are differentially expressed and their expressions are often associated with a poor prognosis for patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the expression of MMPs in different grades of human breast cancer tissues with normal breast tissues. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected 39 breast cancer samples (24 grade II and 15 grade III) along with 16 normal breast tissues from outside the tumor margin during cancer removal surgery. The samples were analysed for the expression of all known MMPs using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS:The results indicate that mRNA expressions of MMP-1, -9,-11,-15,-24 and -25 were upregulated in breast cancer tissues when compared to normal breast tissues. But, the mRNA expressions of MMP-10 and MMP-19 were downregulated in cancer tissue. In membrane associated MMPs like MMP-15 and MMP-24 we found a grade dependent increase of their mRNA expression.CONCLUSION: Our studies demonstrate that MMPs are differentially regulated in breast cancer tissues and they might play various roles in tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Thus, MMPs are of immense value to be studied as diagnostic markers and drug target.

Zinc and metalloproteinases 2 and 9: What is their relation with breast cancer?

“…MMP-9, together with MMP-2, activates transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling to promote the invasion of the tumor, angiogenesis and metastasis. 32 The role of MMPs during the neoplastic invasion consists of the rearrangement of the extracellular matrix components in order to better accommodate cell migration. Thus, deregulation of these enzymes plays an important role in several stages of the development of breast cancer and in activities dependent on zinc binding to the catalytic site.…”

“…30,31 A study conducted by Benson et al 32 evaluated the expression of MMPs in different types of tissues with breast cancer and normal tissues. The results showed that MMPs are regulated differentially in tissues with breast neoplasm.…”

Roles of the Cyclooxygenase 2 Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 Pathway in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer

“…Breast cancer cells often express high levels of MMP1, -2, -3, -9, -13, and -14 that are involved in degrading the extracellular matrix (42). Ectopic expression of MMP3 in transgenic mice was reported to develop mammary gland tumors, whereas suppression of MMP3 blocked the invasive ability of breast tumor cells (43).…”

Comparative study of hematological parameters along with effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in different stages of breast cancer

“…3 More than 1.2 million cases are diagnosed every year, affecting 10-12% of the female population and accounting 500,000 deaths per year worldwide. 4 The incidence of breast cancer in India is 70-90 per 100,000 population and cancer prevalence is established to be around 2.5 million with over 800,000 new cases and 5,50,000 deaths occurring each year. Complete blood count is a prerequisite investigation requested from all cancer patients before surgery, use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.…”