Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) catalyzes the cleavage of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as proteoglycans, fibronectin, entactin, laminin, collagen III/ IV/ V/ IX/ X/ XI, type I/ II/ IV/ V gelatins, and elastin. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 facilitates initial stages of tumor progression. Activated MMP7 plays a vital role in human colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Overexpression of MMP7 is observed in various human cancers, such as breast, lung, prostate, esophagus, stomach, endometrium, and ovarian carcinomas, as well as esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Increased expression of MMP7 is also associated with pathogenesis of demyelinating multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Both in silico and in vitro studies show that MMP7 degrades glycosylated and basement membrane bound perlecan and plays a vital role in prostate cancer cell invasion.
