The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) break down the extracellular matrix (ECM) and activate various cytokines facilitating the local invasion of the HCC cells through the basement membrane (BM) and Disse space, favoring their advance towards the liver sinusoids. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases block the activity of some MMPs, balancing the process.