Matrix metalloproteinase MMP9 maintains epithelial barrier function and preserves mucosal lining in colitis associated cancer.

ABSTRACT: In colitis associated cancer (CAC), chronic inflammation exposes the epithelial mucosal defensive lining to inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) causing the dysbiosis of microbiota population and the dysregulation of immune response. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc dependent endopeptidases which mediate inflammation, tissue remodeling, and carcinogenesis. MMP9 is undetectable in healthy tissue, although highly upregulated during inflammation and cancer. We have previously shown that MMP9 plays a protective role in CAC opposite to its conventional role of acute inflammation and cancer mediator. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of MMP9 in preserving the epithelial mucosal integrity to suppress the progression of tumor microe

SUBMITTER: Pujada A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5706902 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature