Matrix Metalloproteinases, Embryonal Implantationand Tumor Invasion Čes.

Overview

Objective:
To summarise which metalloproteinases and specific inhibitors have been already described,their regulatory mechanisms, the connection with implantation and in cases of tumourinvasion. In conclusion we would like to point to the possibilities of practical use of this information. Design: A literature review.Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Palacký University, Olomouc.Abstracts: Metalloproteinases are important for many biological processes including for instancecell proliferation, differentiation and remodelation of extracellular matrix (ECM) or vascularisationand cell migration. These events are in progress during organogenesis both in the normal developmentand in tumour progression. Mechanisms of activity of metalloproteinases during these processesinclude proteolysis of growth factors which in this way become available to cells. The motion ofcells through tissues and fission of signal receptors made possible by degradation of theECMis vitalfor cell migration. The majority of these processes requires a balanced equilibrium between theactivity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their natural tissue inhibitors (TIMP). It isprecisely this equilibrium between metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors that is decisivefor the site and extent trophoblast invasion during embryo implantation and as well as for the cellinvasion during tumour progression. In our literary review we would like to shortly summarizewhich metalloproteinases and specific inhibitors have been already described and what are theirregulatory mechanisms. Which of them were detected in tissues in connection with implantationand which are most often expressed in cases of tumour invasion. In conclusion we would like topoint to the possibilities of practical use of this information.

Key words:
matrix metalloproteinases, embryo implantation, tumour invasion