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Joined 2026-09-21 Message
Incoming links: MT1-MMP
MT1-MMP Created 2026-10-20 Updated 2026-11-05
MT1-MMP, also called MMP14, is a membrane-associated metalloprotease involved in remodelling the extracellular matrix. Surface delivery concentrates proteolytic activity at particular cellular locations, linking vesicle trafficking to matrix interactions. Altered total protein abundance and altered delivery to the surface are different routes to changing extracellular activity. This distinction matters when relating a trafficking perturbation to cell invasion. [ref]
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.