Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that are crucial for the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, a process that is often co-opted by cancers, including brain tumors, to facilitate growth, invasion, and metastasis. In gliomas, MMPs contribute to a c...

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Main Authors: Ella E. Aitchison, Alexandra M. Dimesa, Alireza Shoari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:BioTech
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6284/14/2/28
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author Ella E. Aitchison
Alexandra M. Dimesa
Alireza Shoari
author_facet Ella E. Aitchison
Alexandra M. Dimesa
Alireza Shoari
author_sort Ella E. Aitchison
collection DOAJ
description Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that are crucial for the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, a process that is often co-opted by cancers, including brain tumors, to facilitate growth, invasion, and metastasis. In gliomas, MMPs contribute to a complex interplay involving tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune modulation, thereby influencing tumor progression and patient prognosis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the roles of various MMPs in different types of gliomas, from highly malignant gliomas to metastatic lesions. Emphasis is placed on how the dysregulation of MMPs impacts tumor behavior, the association between specific MMPs and the tumor grade, and their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, the current therapeutic approaches targeting MMP activity are discussed, exploring both their challenges and future potential. By synthesizing recent findings, this paper aims to clarify the broad significance of MMPs in gliomas and propose avenues for translational research that could enhance treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-49602fb089ab43a0bca0ce826b8f8c022025-08-20T03:27:13ZengMDPI AGBioTech2673-62842025-04-011422810.3390/biotech14020028Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic TargetsElla E. Aitchison0Alexandra M. Dimesa1Alireza Shoari2Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USADepartment of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USADepartment of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USAMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that are crucial for the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, a process that is often co-opted by cancers, including brain tumors, to facilitate growth, invasion, and metastasis. In gliomas, MMPs contribute to a complex interplay involving tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune modulation, thereby influencing tumor progression and patient prognosis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the roles of various MMPs in different types of gliomas, from highly malignant gliomas to metastatic lesions. Emphasis is placed on how the dysregulation of MMPs impacts tumor behavior, the association between specific MMPs and the tumor grade, and their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, the current therapeutic approaches targeting MMP activity are discussed, exploring both their challenges and future potential. By synthesizing recent findings, this paper aims to clarify the broad significance of MMPs in gliomas and propose avenues for translational research that could enhance treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6284/14/2/28matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)gliomasglioblastomatumor invasiontherapeutic targeting
spellingShingle Ella E. Aitchison
Alexandra M. Dimesa
Alireza Shoari
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
BioTech
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
gliomas
glioblastoma
tumor invasion
therapeutic targeting
title Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
title_full Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
title_fullStr Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
title_full_unstemmed Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
title_short Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glioma: Drivers of Invasion and Therapeutic Targets
title_sort matrix metalloproteinases in glioma drivers of invasion and therapeutic targets
topic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
gliomas
glioblastoma
tumor invasion
therapeutic targeting
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6284/14/2/28
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