A research scientist injects hepatocellular carcinoma cells into the liver parenchyma of an experimental guinea pig. Serial observations show that the tumor cells progressively proliferate and invade the liver parenchyma to form a large mass. After some time, malignant cells begin to penetrate the vascular basement membrane to gain access to the circulation During the process of basement membrane invasion, expression of which of the following substances is most likely to be increased in the tumor cells?

Question

A research scientist injects hepatocellular carcinoma cells into the liver parenchyma of an experimental guinea pig.  Serial observations show that the tumor cells progressively proliferate and invade the liver parenchyma to form a large mass.  After some time, malignant cells begin to penetrate the vascular basement membrane to gain access to the circulation  During the process of basement membrane invasion, expression of which of the following substances is most likely to be increased in the tumor cells?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Metalloproteinases are zinc-containing enzymes that degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane, which are composed primarily of laminin and collagens IV and VII. These enzymes participate in many physiologic processes, such as tissue remodeling and embryogenesis. They also facilitate basement membrane penetration, which distinguishes an invasive tumor from carcinoma in situ

A Research Scientist Injects Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells into the Liver