Regulation and Function of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Simple Summary MMP-13 is an enzyme that can digest and disrupt the tissue structures surrounding epithelial cells that line the surface of many internal organs, as well as the tissue structures surrounding endothelial cells that line the surface of blood vessels. The production of MMP-13 is tightly controlled in physiological conditions but is increased in various cancers and plays multiple roles in tumour progression and metastasis. This review summarises the current understanding of the regulation of MMP-13 production and discusses the actions of MMP-13 in cancer progression and metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is a member of the Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family of endopeptidases. MMP-13 is produced in low amounts and is well-regulated during normal physiological conditions. Its expression and secretion are, however, increased in various cancers, where it plays multiple roles in tumour progression and metastasis. As an interstitial collagenase, MMP-13 can proteolytically cleave not only collagens I, II and III, but also a range of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs). Its action causes ECM remodelling and often leads to the release of various sequestered growth and angiogenetic factors that promote tumour cell growth, invasion and angiogenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of the regulation of MMP-13 expression and secretion and discusses the actions of MMP-13 in cancer progression and metastasis.