Genetic Analysis of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 Promoter in Breast Cancer

摘要

Degradation of the extracellular matrix is the sine qua non of tumor invasion and metastasis, and it is mediated primarily by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Destruction of the interstitial collagens, types I and III, is a necessary part of this process, since these collagens comprise nearly 30% of body protein and make up the connective tissues through which tumor cells must travel during invasion. Collagen degradation is accomplished primarily by a sub-group of MMPs, the collagenases. Of the three interstitial collagenases that can contribute to invasion, MMP- 1 (collagenase- 1) is the most ubiquitously expressed and thus, may have the greatest potential for facilitating tumor invasion.