MT-MMPs as regulators of vessel stability associated with angiogenesis

• Main Authors: Nor Eddine eSounni, Alexandra ePaye, Lorin eHost, Agnès eNoël
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2011-05-01
• Series: Frontiers in Pharmacology
• Subjects: Collagen; interstitial fluid pressure; MMPs; MT-MMPs; vessel permeability
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fphar.2011.00111/full

The development of vascular system depends on the coordinated activity of a number of distinct families of molecules including growth factors and their receptors, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and proteolytic enzymes. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of ECM degrading enzymes required for both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Increasing evidence, point to a direct role of membrane type-MMPs (MT-MMPs) in vascular system stabilization, maturation and leakage. Our understanding of the nature of MT-MMP interaction with extracellular and cell surface molecules and their multiple roles in vessel walls and perivascular stroma may provide new insights into mechanisms underlying vascular cell-ECM interactions and cell fate decisions in pathological conditions. Regulation of vascular leakage by MT-MMP interactions with the ECM could also lead to novel targeting opportunities for drug delivery in tumor. This review will shed lights on the emerging roles of MT1-MMP and MT4-MMP in vascular system alterations associated with cancer progression.