Muñoz-Sáez, EmmaMoracho, NataliaLearte, AnaCollignon, AliceArroyo, AliciaNoel, AgnésSounni, Nor EddineSánchez-Camacho Blázquez, Cristina2024-02-022024-02-022023Muñoz-Sáez, E.; Moracho, N.; Learte, A.I.R.; Collignon, A.; Arroyo, A.G.; Noel, A.; Sounni, N.E.; Sánchez-Camacho, C. Molecular Mechanisms Driven by MT4-MMP in Cancer Progression. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 9944. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241299441661-659610.3390/ijms24129944https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/98356Funding This research was funded by Universidad Europea de Madrid 2022/UEM07 (EMS, CSC), the National Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS), Belgium: PDR # T.023020 (NES), and the project PID2020-112981RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 %CITAVIPICKER£10.13039/501100011033££% (AGA).MT4-MMP (or MMP-17) belongs to the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs), a distinct subset of the MMP family that is anchored to the cell surface, in this case by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) motif. Its expression in a variety of cancers is well documented. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MT4-MMP contributes to tumor development need further investigation. In this review, we aim to summarize the contribution of MT4-MMP in tumorigenesis, focusing on the molecular mechanisms triggered by the enzyme in tumor cell migration, invasiveness, and proliferation, in the tumor vasculature and microenvironment, as well as during metastasis. In particular, we highlight the putative substrates processed and signaling cascades activated by MT4-MMP that may underlie these malignancy processes and compare this with what is known about its role during embryonic development. Finally, MT4-MMP is a relevant biomarker of malignancy that can be used for monitoring cancer progression in patients as well as a potential target for future therapeutic drug development.engAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/journal article1422-0067https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129944https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/12/9944open access577.1577.2616-006.04MT4-MMPMMP-17DevelopmentVasculatureTumorCancer cellMalignancyTherapyBiomarkerOncologíaBiología molecular (Biología)Bioquímica (Biología)2403 Bioquímica2415 Biología Molecular3207.13 Oncología