Expression of MMP2 and MMP9 (gelatinases A and B) in human colon cancer cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent neutral endopeptidases, collectively capable of degrading essentially all matrix components. Elevated levels of distinct MMPs are detected in tumor tissue or serum of patients with advanced cancer, and they are the major prognostic indicators in cancer. Inhibition of MMPs has been explored as a therapeutic goal for almost two decades. Nitric oxide (NO), a free radical plays an important role in signaling pathways in regulation of MMP expression. In the present study, we demonstrated the role of exogenous NO levels in the regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 (gelatinases A and B) in colon cancer cell line WiDr and its inhibition with emodin (a naturally occurring anthraquinone).