The expression levels of ets and MMP genes was examined in two breast cancer cell lines of differing invasive potential. The more invasive MDA-MB-231 cell line had higher levels of Ets-1, Ets-2, PEA3, ERM, Tel, Net, MMP-13 and -14 mRNA than MCF-7 cells. MMP-1, -3 and -16 mRNAs were expressed equally. TPA stimulated MMP-1, -9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression in both cell lines. MMP-2 and MMP-7 mRNAs were not detected in either cell line. The Ets-1 protein was only detected in MDA-MB-231 cells and its level increased following TPA stimulation. TPA induced MMP-9 activity in MCF-7 cells and increased its activity in MDA-MB-231 cells, however, MMP-2 activity was not detected.
