An inverse relationship between KAI1 expression, invasive ability, and MMP-2 expression and activity in bladder cancer cell lines

We found that KAI1 expression in bladder cancer cell lines is related to a poor invasive potential and expression of latent MMP-2 but not MMP-9. These results are unexpected given other studies showing high levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression in patients with invasive bladder cancer. This may reflect differences in the regulation and secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro compared with the in vivo situation, where tumor cells interact with the surrounding environment.