Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) polymorphisms in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma causes over 75% of skin cancer-related deaths, and it is clear that many factors may contribute to the outcome. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane that, in turn, modulate cell division, migration and angiogenesis. Some polymorphisms are known to influence gene expression, protein activity, stability, and interactions, and they were shown to be associated with certain tumor phenotypes and cancer risk.

Methods

We tested seven polymorphisms within the MMP-9 gene in 1002 patients with melanoma in order to evaluate germline genetic variants and their association with progression and known risk factors of melanoma. The polymorphisms were

SUBMITTER: Cotignola J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1831467 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature