Effects of matrix metalloproteinase on the invasion and metastasis of antitumor

Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases,which are capable of degrading all kinds of extracellular matrix proteins.For their pivotal roles on the tumor invasion and metastasis,MMPs are becoming the key point for the research of antitumor compounds.Here,we try to summarize the development about the role of MMPs in the tumor invasion and metastasis.