ERK/MAPK pathways play critical roles in EGFR ligands-induced MMP1 expression

► Involvement of MMPs and HER (ErbB) family pathway in cancer cell invasion and tumor progression has been well established. ► Our results suggest that the expression of ligands of EGFR, and MMP1 by SK-BR3 breast cancer cells can collectively promote progression potential. ► Furthermore, targeting HER (ErbB) family pathway by TKIs suppressed EGF ligands-induced MMP1 expression. ► Targeting of MMP1 by inhibition of EGFR signaling has possibility as a therapeutic strategy.