Achievement: The study of tumor-associated neutrophils facilitate the metastasis of gastric cancer through matrix metalloproteinases and lysyl oxidase

Achievement Owner: Ningxia Medical University

Introduction: Malignant tumor is a serious disease threatening human health. Changes in tumor microenvironment directly affect the development and prognosis of tumors, in which inflammation is considered to be the most important factor. Tumor-associated  neutrophils (TANs) are the main inflammatory cells that infiltrate in malignant tumors. TANs have both N1 type, which inhibit tumor growth, and N2 type, which promote tumor growth and metastasis. Our results suggest that TANs can promote tumor metastasis by secreting or promoting tumor cells to secrete lysyl oxidase(LOX), matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP9). TANs can participate in the remodel of matrix in tumor microenvironment and increase angiogenesis. Our results provide a new basis for understanding the mechanism of tumor metastasis, prediction of metastasis and anti-tumor therapy.