Figure 3.

Role of nuclear MMPs within cells. Currently, only two mechanisms for the transport of MMPs into the cell’s nucleus are known, and which utilize the nuclear pore complex or endocytosis. Within the nucleus, MMPs can cleave nuclear proteins or regulate the transcription of various genes. Through these mechanisms, nMMPs can modulate a number of key biological processes within the cell. Participation of nMMPs in cancer cell progression is indicated in blue. NPC—nuclear pore complex; MMP—matrix metalloproteinase; NLS—nuclear localization signal.