Matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in canine mammary tumors

• Grant number: 12/09266-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo de Francisco Strefezzi
• Grantee: Bianca Cardozo Gramulia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mammary neoplasms are among the major canine tumors, and half of these are considered malignant. One of the most important characteristics of malignant tumors is their ability for invasion and metastasis, with neoplastic cells leaving the main tumor mass after the degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes containing zinc that are capable of degrading and remodeling the extracellular matrix, facilitating cell migration and invasion of surrounding tissues. The involvement of MMPs has been demonstrated in many pathological processes, including tumors in humans and dogs. Moreover, MMPs are related to malignancy and prognosis of canine and human tumors. Therefore, the objectives of this project are to identify the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in canine mammary gland tumors, as well as determine possible relationships between the different histological patterns and their degree of malignancy with immunohistochemical expression of MMP9.(AU)