Stroma-Derived Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 Promotes Membrane Type 1-MMP–Dependent Tumor Growth in Mice

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is a stroma-derived MMP belonging to the type IV collagenase family. It is believed to mediate tumor cell behavior by degrading deposits of type IV collagen, a major component of the basement membrane. The membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) is a highly potent activator of MMP-2 and is expressed in many tumor and stromal cells. However, the roles played by stromal MMP-2 in tumor progression in vivo remain poorly...