What is the role of enzymes in cancer development?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells. In the context of cancer, enzymes can contribute to various stages of tumorigenesis. They are involved in DNA replication, repair, and modification, which can lead to genomic instability and mutations. Enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) aid in tissue remodeling and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix. Thus, alterations in enzyme expression and activity can significantly impact cancer initiation and progression.
