The Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Pancreatic Cancer

Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2017:148:339-354. doi: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.03.004. Epub 2017 Apr 18.

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been implicated for roles in cancer initiation, tumor growth, and metastasis. However, pancreatic cancer clinical trials using broad-based MMP inhibitors were discouraging. To better evaluate the use of MMP inhibitors in pancreatic cancer, (a) more precise roles of individual MMPs in pancreatic cancer needed to be determined and (b) animal models that more accurately represented human pancreatic cancer needed to be developed. The last decade has seen substantial progress in both areas. MT1-MMP has been recognized as a critical mediator of several steps in pancreatic cancer progression, while MMP-9 appears to be an antitarget when considering pancreatic cancer therapies.

Keywords: Collagen; Desmoplastic reaction; Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP); Pancreatic cancer; Transforming growth factor (TGF); Triple-helical peptide.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases