The role of the matrix metalloproteinase stromelysin in the progression of squamous cell carcinomas.

The expression of the metalloproteinase stromelysin correlates with the progression of chemically induced squamous cell carcinomas. We demonstrate that the expression of activated stromelysin in papilloma-derived cells enhances in vitro cell invasion. We also demonstrate that the Ha-ras oncogene induces the transcription of the stromelysin gene through an AP-1 dependent pathway. The hypothesis is that alterations in oncogenes and suppressor genes influence stromelysin expression and thus influence subsequent steps of tumor invasion and metastasis.