The ability to invade host tissues and metastasize is the major cause of cancer-related death. During tumor invasion, metastasizing cells disrupt normal cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts and acquire a migratory, invasive phenotype. Subsequent alterations in cellular architecture mediated by modified extracellular matrix (ECM) attachments induce expression of proteinases that degrade ECM proteins, facilitating migration through the modified tissue to establish metastatic foci. Although malignant cells produce a spectrum of matrix-degrading enzymes, predominant among these proteinases are enzymes in the plasminogen activator (PA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) families. Current research centers on two model systems: ovarian carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC).

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EnCor Biotechnology Inc., Gainesville, Florida 32608, makers of high quality antibodies to neural and yeast proteins

Invitrogen enables scientific discovery by offering the broadest range of tools for life science. Its innovative reagents are used in all major areas of biological discovery including functional genomics, proteomics, stem cells, cell therapy and cell biology.

Database of research protocols in bioscience including molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, plant biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, genetics, etc. Also hosts discipline-specific discussion forums and provides free PubMed alerting service