Matrix Metalloproetinases in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase in Invasion and Metastasis

Degradation of extracellular matrix is an important feature involved in physiological process such as normal development, morphogenesis, tissue repair and remodelling and pathological process such as tumor invasion and metastasis. Matrixmetalloproteinases (MMP) are Zn++ dependent enzymes that can cause degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. MMPs are overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma and are of prognostic significance.