Spectrum of matrix metalloproteinase expression in primary and metastatic colon cancer: relationship to the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and membrane type-1-matrix metalloproteinase
2001
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Colon Cancer
Sample size: 8
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Collins H M, Morris T M, Watson S A
Primary Institution: University Hospital, Nottingham
Hypothesis
The study investigates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in primary and metastatic colon cancer and their relationship with tissue inhibitors.
Conclusion
MMP-2 is overexpressed in colorectal tumors and is primarily attributed to stromal cells rather than cancer cells.
Supporting Evidence
- MMP-2 was not expressed by colorectal cancer cells in vitro but was induced by co-cultivation with stromal fibroblasts.
- MMP-2 mRNA was overexpressed in human colorectal tumors compared to normal tissue.
- The active form of MMP-2 was present in 7 out of 8 colorectal tumor samples but absent in normal colon samples.
Takeaway
This study found that certain proteins that help cancer spread are more active in tumor tissue than in normal tissue, and they mostly come from surrounding cells.
Methodology
The study used quantitative RT-PCR to analyze MMP expression in colorectal cancer tissues.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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