RECK - a newly discovered inhibitor of metastasis with prognostic significance in multiple forms of cancer

Abstract

The RECK (reversion-inducing cysteine rich protein with Kazal motifs) protein was initially discovered by its ability to induce reversion in ras-activated fibroblasts. The key action of RECK is to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) involved in breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and angiogenesis-namely MMP-2, MMP-9 and MTP-1. To this effect, it plays important physiological roles in embryogenesis and vasculogenesis. Additionally, it has a significant effect on tumorigenesis by limiting angiogenesis and invasion of tumours through the ECM. RECK has been studied in the context of a number of human tumours including colorectal, breast, pancreas, gastric, hepatocellular, prostate,..