Genetic polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinases in breast cancer.

The family of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) consists of 24 zinc- and calcium-dependent proteolytic enzymes. MMPs are divided into six subgroups, in terms of differences in the substrate specificity with structural domain architecture. These enzymes are involved in many physiological processes, such as skeletal development, wound healing, scar formation, as well as carcinogenesis. MMPs, fulfilling its function of degradation of extracellular matrix components, are involved in one of the stages of angiogenesis enabling the development, growth and spread of the primary tumor. Therefore, the search for the common polymorphic variants of MMPs, new genetic markers as prognostic factors in breast cancer progress seems to be understandable.The minireview presents the results of 19 case-control or prospective studies concerning the association of SNPs of genes encoding nine MMPs: MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12, -13, -21 with the breast cancer risk, progression and survival.