Status of research on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in India

Abstract

Introduction: MMPs are extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading enzymes that play a crucial role in embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, inflammation and angiogenesis. MMP-2 and -9 (also called type 2 and type 4 collagenase, or gelatinase A and B) are the key molecules that control invasion, tumor growth and metastasis. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) -2 and -1 are specific inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 respectively, and play a crucial role in regulation of MMP-2 and -9 activation, during pathophysiological processes. MMPs can specifically degrade native gelatin, collagens, fibronectin, ectactin and elastin. MMP-2 and -9 are overexpressed in almost all types of cancers, and so act as important therapeutic targets.

Areas covered: The status of MMP research in India from 1998 to 2010. In this review, the authors cover the role of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Expert opinion: As compared with other parts of the world, Indian scientists have not generated a significant number of specific MMP inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, or other diseases. MMPs and membrane type (MT)-MMPs are potentially important therapeutic targets in many diseases, including cancers, therefore, designing specific inhibitors from natural products or through synthetic routes, is crucial.

Keywords::

• arthritis
• cancer
• India
• matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
• tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Sachindra and D Kumar for the preparation of the manuscript. The authors apologize to many colleagues whose contributions could not be cited due to lack of space.

Notes

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