Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases: expression, roles in metastatic prostate cancer progression and opportunities for drug targeting

Abstract

The membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs), an important subgroup of the wider MMP family, demonstrate widespread expression in multiple tumor types, and play key roles in cancer growth, migration, invasion and metastasis. Despite a large body of published research, relatively little information exists regarding evidence for MT-MMP expression and function in metastatic prostate cancer. This review provides an appraisal of the literature describing gene and protein expression in prostate cancer cells and clinical tissue, summarises the evidence for roles in prostate cancer progression, and examines the data relating to MT-MMP function in the development of bone metastases. Finally, the therapeutic potential of targeting MT-MMPs is considered. While MT-MMP inhibition presents a significant challenge, utilisation of MT-MMP expression and proteolytic capacity in prostate tumors is an attractive drug development opportunity.