ETS Proteins and MMPs: Partners in Invasion and Metastasis

Binding sites for the ETS domain family of transcription factors are found in the promoters of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of matrix degrading enzymes. Evidence is accumulating that both these groups of molecules are important in the process of angiogenesis in addition to matrix degradation. Furthermore, they are both expressed in tumor tissue as well as in the normal surrounding stroma. These factors along with various sites at which they may be regulated collectively makes them attractive targets to consider for therapeutic intervention in the processes of invasion and metastasis.