The role of MT1-MMP in the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma

The dysregulation of Membrane - type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) has been extensively studied in numerous cancer types, and plays key roles in angiogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. MT1-MMP is a predictor of poor prognosis in osteosarcoma (OS), yet the molecular mechanisms of disease progression are unclear. This review provides a summary of the literature relating to the gene and protein expression of MT1-MMP (MMP-14) in OS clinical samples, evaluates the expression in cell lines and experimental models, and analyses its potential role in the progression and metastasis of OS. In addition, the therapeutic potential of MT1-MMP as a drug target has been assessed. Due to the biological complexity of MMPs, inhibition has proven to be challenging. However, exploiting the expression and proteolytic capacity of MT1-MMP could open new avenues in the search for novel, safer and selective drugs for use in OS.