Mmp11, also known as matrix metalloproteinase-11, is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase belonging to the stromelysin subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) [8]. It is involved in extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling, and has been associated with multiple biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor angiogenesis [7].

In various diseases, Mmp11 shows significant associations. In diabetic foot ulcers, fibroblasts overexpressing Mmp11 are enriched in patients with healing wounds [1]. In EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, high Mmp11 expression is related to EGFR mutations, and patients with high Mmp11 expression respond poorly to immunotherapy, with lower infiltration of T cell CD8+ and NK cells [2]. In pancreatic cancer, cancer-associated fibroblast-derived Mmp11 promotes tumor progression through the PI3K/AKT pathway rather than extracellular matrix remodeling [3]. In high-grade serous ovarian cancer, matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing Mmp11 are the dominant CAFs and can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition properties of ovarian cancer cells [4]. In castration-resistant prostate cancer, Mmp11 contributes to the interaction with adipocytes, and its knockdown reduces lipid metabolism and cell invasion [5]. In breast cancer, Mmp11 expression by intratumoral inflammatory cells is a strong prognostic factor [6], and Mmp11 in macrophages promotes the migration of HER2-positive breast cancer cells through CCL2-CCR2 signaling [9]. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Mmp11 is a prognostic biomarker and is associated with immune cell infiltration [7].

In conclusion, Mmp11 is a crucial enzyme in extracellular matrix-related biological processes. Its role in multiple diseases, including cancer and diabetic foot ulcers, has been revealed through various studies. Understanding Mmp11 function provides insights into disease mechanisms, which may potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for these conditions.