FIGURE 7.

MMPs as targets for nanomedicine. (A) The KGFRWR peptide and DOX form a nanofiber. The peptide inhibits MMPs’ enzymatic activity, while DOX has cytotoxic effects. An MMP substrate with fluorogenic capacities is also used to quantify MMPs enzymatic activity. (B) Metallofullerenol NPs allosterically inhibit MMPs’ enzymatic activity. Endohedral Gd@C82(OH)22 carries Gd inside to avoid toxic effects allowing MRI images. (C) Nanocarriers can deliver sMMPIs such as MATT next to the neoplastic cells avoiding toxic side effects. (D) Genetic material to inhibit MMPs’ expression can be delivered by nanocarriers with specific tumor targeting molecules such as transferrin. Abbreviations: MATT, marimastat; sMMPIs, MMPs’ synthetic inhibitors; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase.