Proteases have been characterized as enzymes that only contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix. At this time the regulatory significances of these enzymes have been neglected, leading to the failure of protease-inhibitors in clinical trials. In this study, by specific inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in tumor and host cells, a dual role of MMP-9 has been shown. The specific inhibition of MMP-9 in the host cells altered the homeostasis of the liver and the bone marrow, resulting in a higher susceptibility of liver for metastasis. In contrast, specific inhibition of MMP-9 in the tumor cells reduced metastasis to this organ. The knowledge of the different contributions of a specific inhibition of MMP-9 could lead to a sustained improvement of anti-metastatic therapy strategies.
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Proteases have been characterized as enzymes that only contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix. At this time the regulatory significances of these enzymes have been neglected, leading to the failure of protease-inhibitors in clinical trials. In this study, by specific inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in tumor and host cells, a dual role of MMP-9 has been shown. The specific inhibition of MMP-9 in the host cells altered the homeostasis of the liver and the bone m...
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