Matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs

Matrix metalloproteinases are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix. 23 diferent MMPs have ben identified. They are activated by proteases. They are inhibited by tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). A subset of MMPs remnin membrane-bound (MT-MMPs). MMPs are likely to play a role in tumour invasiveness.

Immunohistochemical expression

In follicular thyroid neoplasms:

Synonym

Adenomatous goitre

Follicular adenoma

Minimally invasive follicular carcinoma

Widely invasive follicular carcinoma

MMP-1

collagenase 1

10/10

9/9

15/15

6/6

MMP-2

gelatinase A

0/10

1/19

12/15

5/6

MMP-7

matrilysin

0/10

0/19

12/15

5/6

MMP-9

gelatinase B

3/10

11/19

13/15

4/6

MT1-MMP

6/10

15/19

14/15

4/6

TIMP-2

1/10

5/19

8/15

5/6

Diagnostic utility

Positivity for MMP-2 and MMP-7 may help to distinguish benign follicular adenomas from invasive carcinomas of the thyroid (including minimally invasive carcinomas).

References

¹ Cho Mar K, Eimoto T, Tateyama H, et al. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in benign and malignant follicular thyroid lesions. Histopathology 2006; 48:286-94

This page last revised 18.2.2006.

	Synonym	Adenomatous goitre	Follicular adenoma	Minimally invasive follicular carcinoma	Widely invasive follicular carcinoma
MMP-1	collagenase 1	10/10	9/9	15/15	6/6
MMP-2	gelatinase A	0/10	1/19	12/15	5/6
MMP-7	matrilysin	0/10	0/19	12/15	5/6
MMP-9	gelatinase B	3/10	11/19	13/15	4/6
MT1-MMP		6/10	15/19	14/15	4/6
TIMP-2		1/10	5/19	8/15	5/6