|
pubmed:abstractText |
The process of metastasis is complex, involving many interrelated stages, including proteolysis. Proteolysis occurs in both normal and pathological processes and involves the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and/or basement membrane by proteolytic enzymes. Normally, proteolysis is tightly controlled by specific endogenous proteinase inhibitors. However, in certain disease processes, including cancer, controlled but abnormal proteolysis seems to occur. Proteinases involved in tumour invasion and metastasis include the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the serine proteinases.
|
