Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Inflammation/Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer

Summarymetalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of Zn 2+ -dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading endopeptidases that share common functional domains, and activation mechanisms. MMPs being essential regulators of ECM and basement membrane contribute to the development and progression of human malignancies. MMPs also exhibit a wide functional diversity in modulating colorectal cancer (CRC) due to their interaction with growth-factor receptors, cytokines, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, apoptotic ligands and angiogenic factors. Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) which is a subtype of CRC is unique as it develops to adenocarcinoma via ‘inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma’ sequence compared to ‘adenoma-carcinoma sequence’ of sporadic CRC. Individual role of MMPs in inflammation and CRC have been widely studied but very little has been documented with CAC. This review focuses on the role of MMPs in CAC, in the context of localization and underlying mechanism by which they mediate or protect in CAC. Immunogastroenterology 2013; 2:22-28