Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of enzymes that break down proteins surrounding cells in tissues. MMPs are involved in various physiological processes, including tissue remodeling, wound healing, and inflammation. They are also involved in the development and progression of several diseases, including cancer. Dysregulation of MMPs has been linked to processes involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of proteolytic enzymes that degrade multiple components of the extracellular matrix. A large body of experimental and clinical evidence has implicated MMPs in tumor invasion, neoangiogenesis, and metastasis, and therefore they represent ideal pharmacologic targets for cancer therapy. # Matt's notes on MMPs #research which MMPs are most important to inhibit in preventing liver metastasis of CRC, and what naturally sourced or off label MMPIs are available. >Over expression of MMP-1, -2, -3. -7, -9, -13, and MT1-MMP has been demonstrated in human colorectal cancers. The degree of over expression of some MMPs has been noted to correlate with stage of disease and/or prognosis. An unresolved debate has centered on whether MMPs are produced by the stromal cells surrounding a tumor or by the colorectal cancer cells themselves. MMP-7 is produced abundantly by colorectal cancer cells. The presence of a mutation in the APC gene results in nuclear accumulation of the beta-Catenin/TCF complex, which serves as a transcriptional factor that upregulates MMP-7 expression. Increased expression of MMP-3 in colorectal cancer correlates with low levels of microsatelite instability and poor prognosis. Increased levels of MMP-9 (produced primarily by inflammatory cells) have been demonstrated early in the transition from colon adenoma to adenocarcinoma. In contrast to other MMPs, overexpression of MMP-12 is associated with increased survival in colorectal cancer, presumably as a result of an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis. >Source: [Role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in colorectal cancer - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15000152/)