The RECK gene and invasive cancer development : the significance of RECK in angiogenesis and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases

Abstract: The RECK gene is a relatively new discovered gene with important implications for cancer research. The research has been primarily concentrated on the human gene with the ultimate aim to identify the invasive characteristics. Up regulated RECK is linked to significantly prolonged survival rates in patients with severe forms of malignancies. RECK is normally expressed in all cells of the body and has an important role in the balance between destructive and constructive features of the extracellular matrix. The RECK protein is a membrane-bound glycoprotein that inhibit matrix metalloproteinases which has the function of breaking down the ECM. There is a significant correlation between RECK gene expression and the formation of new vessels, presumably via the mediation of VEGF which is an important and powerful inducer of angiogenesis. Research has shown that the downregulation of RECK is caused by the Ras oncogene, which otherwise also is a common cause of tumor development in the early stage. For a tumor to progress and gain characteristics that classifies it as malignant, the degradation of ECM and mobilization of new blood vessels are essential functions. If the tumor is inhibited with respect to these functions the tumor will cease to grow. RECK is therefore a potential inhibitor but also a prognostic marker available at early clinical stages.