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Figure 8 | Breast Cancer Research

Figure 8

From: MMP-13 stimulates osteoclast differentiation and activation in tumour breast bone metastases

Figure 8

Proposed model for the role of MMP-13 in lytic bone metastases. MMP-13, secreted by breast tumour cells, after stimulation of ECM components or factors (IL-8, produced by inflammatory cells or osteoblasts, or PTHrP, secreted by tumour and stromal cells), could contribute to osteolysis cooperating with enzymes secreted by OCs (in particular MMP-9 present in the bone microenvironment) for matrix degradation. The effect on bone erosion could be enhanced by the indirect action of MMP-13 on the differentiation of pre-OCs and their activation. MMP-13 activates pro-MMP-9 which is known to recruit OCs and alone or together with MMP-9 cleaves galectin-3, thus blocking its inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis.

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