Evaluating MMP9 Expression Across Cancer Cell Lines to Identify Models for Functional Analysis 2258440

Abstract Introduction Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) is an extracellular enzyme that contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis through degradation of the extracellular matrix. Elevated MMP9 expression has been reported in multiple cancers, but its relative activity differs across tumor types. This study aims to compare MMP9 expression among cancer cell lines to identify a model suitable for downstream functional studies on tumor progression. Methods Initial experiments examined MMP9 expression in the U-87MG glioblastoma cell line using quantitative PCR (qPCR). RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed following standard molecular biology protocols. Due to low MMP9 expression in U-87MG (Ct ≈ 33), additional cancer models were selected based on prior literature, breast cancer and lymphoma cell lines. RNA was isolated from these lines, and qPCR analysis is being conducted to quantify relative MMP9 expression levels and identify the most suitable model for subsequent CRISPR knockout experiments. Results qPCR analysis confirmed minimal MMP9 expression in U-87MG glioblastoma cells, inconsistent with its predicted aggressiveness. High-quality RNA and cDNA were successfully prepared from both breast cancer and lymphoma cell lines. Ongoing expression analysis will determine which exhibits higher MMP9 levels for targeted functional studies. Conclusion MMP9 expression varies significantly across cancer cell types, underscoring the need for model selection prior to mechanistic studies. Identifying a cell line with robust MMP9 expression will enable future CRISPR knockout experiments to investigate its role in tumor invasiveness and metastatic potential. Funding Source n/a Topic Categories Tumor Immunology: Cellular Responses and Tumor Microevironment (TIME)