Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Which cells are responsible for the extracellular matrix remodeling?

Taken from The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease




Metalloelastase (MMP-12) is (as the name suggests) capable of
degrading elastin, as well as other extra-cellular matrix components.
It is produced predominantly by infiltrating macrophages and appears
essential for macrophage migration through extra-cellular matrix




Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cancer Cell Invasion gives a more thorough description of the various MMP and TIMP types




MMPs are mainly produced by nonmalignant stromal cells in malignant
tumors. Tumor cells also secrete factors, such as extracellular MMP
inducer (EMMPRIN), which enhance the expression of MMPs by stromal
fibroblasts (see Toole, in this book). In addition, growth factors and
cytokines secreted by tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells as well as
by tumor or stromal cells modulate MMP expression.


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