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Review
. 2025 Apr 7;17(4):479.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17040479.

Applications of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9-Related Nanomedicines in Tumors and Vascular Diseases

Xuying Li  1 , Zhuping Xu  1
Affiliations
Review

Applications of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9-Related Nanomedicines in Tumors and Vascular Diseases

Xuying Li et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in tumor progression and vascular diseases, contributing to angiogenesis, metastasis, and extracellular matrix degradation. This review comprehensively examines the relationship between MMP-9 and these pathologies, exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved. Specifically, we discuss the contribution of MMP-9 to tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as its involvement in a spectrum of vascular diseases, including macrovascular, cerebrovascular, and ocular vascular diseases. This review focuses on recent advances in MMP-9-targeted nanomedicine strategies, highlighting the design and application of responsive nanoparticles for enhanced drug delivery. These nanotherapeutic strategies leverage MMP-9 overexpression to achieve targeted drug release, improved tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. We explore various nanoparticle platforms, such as liposomes and polymer nanoparticles, and discuss their mechanisms of action, including degradation, drug release, and targeting specificity. Finally, we address the challenges posed by the heterogeneity of MMP-9 expression and their implications for personalized therapies. Ultimately, this review underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of MMP-9-targeted nanomedicines against tumors and vascular diseases.

Keywords: angiogenesis; cancer; matrix metalloproteinase-9; metastasis; nanomedicine; targeted drug delivery; vascular diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Nanoparticles recognize and bind to cancer-associated molecules, facilitating enhanced tumor diagnosis. Adapted from Zhang et al. [23].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Regulatory network of signaling pathways modulating MMP-9 expression in tumor progression and vascular disease. This illustration describes the complex interplay of signaling pathways that regulate MMP-9 expression and contribute to the development and progression of tumors and vascular diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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