Expression pattern of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase in primary breast carcinomas / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the expression pattern of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) in breast carcinomas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-three breast cancer tissues were collected and examined for MT1-MMP protein and mRNA expressions using immunohistochemistry, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunohistochemistry of the breast cancer specimens showed MT1-MMP immunoreactivity on the cancer cell membrane. MT1-MMP mRNA was located in the stromal cells surrounding the breast cancer nest as shown by in situ hybridization. MT1-MMP mRNA expression was detected in all of the carcinomas, but its level was significantly lower in immunohistochemically negative specimens than in positive ones (0.547=0.0886 vs 0.759=0.0802, Plt;0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MT1-MMP is very likely produced by stromal cells surrounding the breast cancer nest and anchored on the cell membrane after activation.</p>