The role of stromal cells in the expression of interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1) in the invasion of gastric cancer

Background and Objectives: In one of the steps of tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor cells must invade surrounding tissues and degrade the components of the basement membranes. Interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1: MMP-1) has been also investigated in relation to cancer invasion and metastasis. Methods: We investigated the formation and mechanism of MMP-1 expression using gastric cancer cell lines and gastric fibroblasts derived from normal gastric mucosa by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Results: Production of MMP-1 protein in gastric fibroblasts was stimulated significantly by adding the conditioned medium of MKN-74. Localization of MMP-1 protein in the xenografted gastric cancer cell lines was heterogeneous according to different cell lines. Conclusions: These results suggested that the production of MMP-1 protein in tumor invasion was regulated by interaction between stromal cells, particularly fibroblasts, and tumor cells.