RT Journal Article T1 Germline gain‐of‐function MMP11 variant results in an aggressive form of colorectal cancer A1 Martín Morales, Lorena A1 Manzano, Sara A1 Rodrigo Faus, María A1 Vicente Barrueco, Adrian A1 Lorca, Víctor A1 Núñez Moreno, Gonzalo A1 Bragado Domingo, Paloma A1 Porras Gallo, Almudena A1 Caldes, Trinidad A1 Garre, Pilar A1 Gutierrez‐Uzquiza, Álvaro AB Abstract Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP11) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix and nonmatrix proteins. Although most MMPs are secreted as inactive proenzymes and are later activated extracellularly, MMP11 is activated intracellularly by furin within the constitutive secretory pathway. It is a key factor in physiological tissue remodeling and its alteration may play an important role in the progression of epithelial malignancies and other diseases. TCGA colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma data showed that upregulation of MMP11 expression correlates with tumorigenesis and malignancy. Here, we provide evidence that a germline variant in the MMP11 gene (NM_005940: c.232C>T; p.(Pro78Ser)), identified by whole exome sequencing, can increase the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. P78S is located in the prodomain region, which is responsible for blocking MMP11's protease activity. This variant was detected in the proband and all the cancer-affected family members analyzed, while it was not detected in healthy relatives. In silico analyses predict that P78S could have an impact on the activation of the enzyme. Furthermore, our in vitro analyses show that the expression of P78S in HCT116 cells increases tumor cell invasion and proliferation. In summary, our results show that this variant could modify the structure of the MMP11 prodomain, producing a premature or uncontrolled activation of the enzyme that may contribute to an early CRC onset in these patients. The study of this gene in other CRC cases will provide further information about its role in CRC development, which might improve patient treatment in the future. PB Wiley SN 0020-7136 YR 2022 FD 2022-09-12 LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72600 UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72600 LA eng NO CRUE-CSIC (Acuerdos Transformativos 2022) NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) NO Comunidad de Madrid DS Docta Complutense RD 7 may 2024