Introduction: MMPs, ADAMs/ADAMTSs Research Products to Achieve Big Dream

Isao      Okazaki; Kazuki      Nabeshima

doi:10.2174/187152012802650200

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to participate in cancer invasion and metastasis. Copious research on MMPs and their inhibitors has promoted the understanding of the mechanisms of cancer invasion and metastasis as well as the development of effective drugs for cancer treatment. This review discusses the classification of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in relation to tumor growth and invasion mechanisms via signal transduction, followed by the possibilities for cancer treatment. The review focuses especially on the development of anti-cancer agents in the field of MMP science.

Keywords: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM), A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS), Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), Cancer invasion, Cancer metastasis, Cancer treatment, Anti-cancer agents, cancer cellinvasion, Peptidases.