 Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-biochemistry-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2025/paper-5/section-1/1/n/solution

Three complementary readouts would separate local matrix degradation from invasive and metastatic behaviour:

A three-dimensional matrix invasion assay would ask whether viable cells actually penetrate an extracellular barrier, with cell number and proliferation controlled.
Measuring cell-surface MT1-MMP alongside its intracellular distribution would test the proposed cargo-trafficking mechanism rather than relying only on the gelatin endpoint.
A matched in vivo tumour comparison could measure metastatic burden relative to primary tumour burden, distinguishing reduced dissemination from a general reduction in tumour growth.

Empty-vector and inactive-fragment controls are needed throughout. Neither reduced gelatin digestion alone nor fewer cells after treatment establishes a specific effect on metastasis.

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