Endothelium specific matrilysin (MMP-7) expression in human cancers

• Published in: Matrix biology 2008-04, Vol.27 (3), p.267-271
• Main Authors: Sier, Cornelis F.M., Hawinkels, Lukas J.A.C., Zijlmans, Henry J.M.A.A., Zuidwijk, Kim, de Jonge-Muller, Eveline S.M., Ferreira, Valérie, Hanemaaijer, Roeland, Mulder-Stapel, Adri A., Kenter, Gemma G., Verspaget, Hein W., Gorter, Arko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Breast; Carcinoma; Carcinoma - enzymology; Cell Line, Tumor; Cervix; Colon; Endothelium - enzymology; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Matrix metalloproteinase; Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 - biosynthesis; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Prostate; Spheroids, Cellular - pathology; Stomach; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution; Umbilical Veins - cytology; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - enzymology
• ISSN: 0945-053X; 1569-1802
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2007.10.006

Over-expression of matrilysin (MMP-7) is predominantly associated with epithelial (pre)malignant cells. In the present study MMP-7 expression is also found in endothelial cells in various human cancer types. Endothelial MMP-7 was associated with CD34 and/or CD105 expression. These immunohistochemical data were confirmed by RT-PCR on VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells. In addition, MMP-7 was also identified in sprouting endothelial cells in vitro. The potential clinical relevance of endothelial MMP-7 was assessed for cervical cancer patients by evaluating the association with overall survival. In contrast to MMP-7 in malignant epithelial cells, MMP-7 expression in endothelial cells showed a significant association with poor survival (LR 5.12, P = 0.02, n = 30). Our data suggest that MMP-7 is involved in tumor angiogenesis, thereby contributing to malignant growth and hence associated with decreased survival.