Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme that degrades components of the extracellular matrix and thus plays a pivotal role in cell migration during physiological and pathological processes. MMP-2 expression is dependent on extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), Her2/neu, growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. Pro-MMP-2 activation needs MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 contribution. MMP-2 is changed in distribution and increased in amount in the ventral cochlear nucleus after unilateral cochlear ablation. A low level of MMP-2 is linked to favorable prognosis in patients with a hormone receptor-negative tumor, usually associated with high risk. As a zymogen requiring proteolytic activation for catalytic activity, MMP-2 has been implicated broadly in the invasion and metastasis of many cancer model systems, including human breast cancer (HBC). Blocking MMP-2 secretion and activation during breast carcinoma development may decrease metastasis. The detection of active MMP-2 alone or the rate of pro-MMP-2 and active MMP-2 is considered a very sensitive indicator of cancer metastasis. Modulation of MMP-2 expression and activation through specific inhibitors and activators may thus provide a new mechanism for breast cancer treatment.
