An introduction to matrikines: extracellular matrix-derived peptides which regulate cell activity. Implication in tumor invasion.

The term of "matrikines" was coined for designating peptides liberated by partial proteolysis of extracellular matrix macromolecules, which are able to regulate cell activities. Among these peptides, some of them may modulate proliferation, migration, protease production, or apoptosis, which suggest that they can play a significant role in the control of tumor progression. In this introduction, we present the best characterized matrikines, derived from elastin, connective tissue glycoproteins, or collagens.