Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family consists of Zn2+-dependent endopeptidases. The enzymes degrade structural proteins of basement membranes and extracellular matrix facilitating tissue remodeling and cell mobility thus phenomena accompanying physiological and inflammatory processes as well as cancer diseases. One of the subgroups among MMPs is a subfamily of gelatinases consisting of gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9).

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the enzymes which are directly involved in metastasis. Under physiological conditions MMPs are involved in such processes as embryogenesis, angiogenesis, cyclic changes in endometrium, wound healing and platelet aggregation. There is evidence that MMPs activity changes in many pathological conditions, including tumor disease, inflammatory and the degenera- tive diseases of nervous system. In cancer MMPs regulate growth and cancer-cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis and the immune response to cancer.