Mmp9, also known as matrix metalloproteinase 9, is a zinc-dependent proteolytic metalloenzyme belonging to the gelatinase B subgroup of the MMPs family. It is involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and is associated with numerous pathological conditions. Its functions include playing a role in cell-cell adhesion and signaling, and it is part of pathways such as NFκB/VEGF/MMP9 signaling [3,5].

In terms of disease-related findings, in a study on brain metastases, pharmacologic or genetic targeting of Mmp9 significantly reduced metastatic cell penetration across the blood-brain barrier and limited micrometastasis formation, suggesting its key role in brain metastasis [1]. In pancreatic cancer, MMP9 levels were elevated from the T2 stage, indicating its potential as a marker for late-stage pancreatic cancer [2]. In atherosclerosis, the CT genotype of the MMP9-1562C>T polymorphism was strongly associated with the risk of developing the disease [4].

In conclusion, Mmp9 is crucial in ECM remodeling and various disease-related processes. Gene-targeting studies in models, such as those reducing Mmp9 activity, have revealed its significance in brain metastasis, pancreatic cancer, and atherosclerosis, providing potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.

References:

1. McCarty, Joseph H. . MMP9 Clears the Way for Metastatic Cell Penetration Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. In Cancer research, 83, 1167-1169. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-0151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37057598/

2. Roskovicova, Veronika, Katuchova, Jana, Vecurkovska, Ivana, Radonak, Jozef, Katuch, Vladimir. . MMP9 and pancreatic cancer. In Bratislavske lekarske listy, 125, 724-727. doi:10.4149/BLL_2024_110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39487843/

3. Pang, Guiying, Ye, Ling, Jiang, Yinxiao, Yang, Hongxu, Yang, Yi. 2024. Unveiling the bidirectional role of MMP9: A key player in kidney injury. In Cellular signalling, 122, 111312. doi:10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111312. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39074714/

4. Ahmad, Zalinah, Blin, Joan, Rampal, Lekhraj, Mohtarrudin, Norhafizah, Abang Yusuf, Dayang Sarah Yasmine. 2023. Association of LDLR, TP53 and MMP9 Gene Polymorphisms With Atherosclerosis in a Malaysian Study Population. In Current problems in cardiology, 48, 101659. doi:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101659. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822563/

5. Singh, Vikrant, Panda, Siva Prasad. 2024. Nexus of NFκB/VEGF/MMP9 signaling in diabetic retinopathy-linked dementia: Management by phenolic acid-enabled nanotherapeutics. In Life sciences, 358, 123123. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123123. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39419266/