Differential expression analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) in human esophageal cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the different expressions of MMP20 in the process of esophageal cancer. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA expression and protein expression of MMP20. Compared with the corresponding normal esophagus tissues, results showed the common trend of the dramatical overexpression of MMP20 in the esophageal cancer tissues. The analysis of MMP20 expression in different clinical early stages of esophageal cancer by RT-PCR indicated that MMP20 was much more overexpressed in the esophageal cancer with invasion than in the early stages. This suggested that MMP20 might play an important role in the progression of esophageal cancer. It probably plays a critical role in tumor invasion.