Metalloproteinases and angiogenesis

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential regulators during various phases of the angiogenic process. These include the degradation of the basement membrane and the extracellular matrix, the mobilisation and activation of growth factors and the production of fragments with pro-or anti-angiogenic activity. In addition to their role in migration and invasion, MMPs can influence endothelial cell proliferation and survival by modifying the balance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic molecules. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.