The Role of EMMPRIN in Tumor Progression
Abstract
Crucial steps in tumor progression and the process of metastasis, e.g., tumor growth, invasion through extracellular matrices and angiogenesis, involve proteolytic modification of the pericellular matrix surrounding tumor cells. A major class of proteases involved in these processes is the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and inhibition of MMPs prevent progression and metastasis of several tumor types, including human breast carcinomas, in animal models. In vivo, tumor MMPs are usually produced by stromal cells associated with tumors rather than the tumor cells themselves. The tumor cell surface glycoprotein, EMMPRIN, stimulates MMP production by fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and may be an important regulator of MMP production during tumorigenesis in vivo. However no direct evidence for an important role in tumor progression has been published. The focus of this proposal will be to demonstrate directly whether or not EMMPRIN promotes breast cancer progression, whether a role for EMMPRIN in tumor progression may be to promote or induce angiogenesis, and whether inhibitory peptides can be developed that may have future therapeutic potential. This study should determine definitively whether EMMPRIN-mediated regulation of MMPs may constitute a newly discovered step in breast carcinoma progression and metastasis. Interference with EMMPRIN action may then be an effective way to retard breast carcinoma progression in patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392299
Entities
People
- Bryan P. Toole
Organizations
- Tufts University