Recent advances in matrix metalloproteinases-responsive nanoprobes for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of zinc-contained endopeptidases, are closely involved in tumor growth, infiltration, metastasis, and angiogenesis. By virtue the specifically enzymatic hydrolysis, MMPs have been widely used to turn on imaging and/or therapy function elaborately designed enzyme-responsive nanoprobes, which is expected realize precise diagnosis treatment cancer. This review systematically summarizes classifications MMPs, their substrates recognized sequences, overexpressed types. The advances MMPs-responsive nanoprobes for cancer focused, including trigger mechanism, design principle, various or modes. Finally, this analyzes challenges clinical application, provides constructive opinions future study.