Stephen Weiss

Stephen Weiss is a pioneer in understanding how matrix metalloproteinases, particularly the membrane-type MT1-MMP, enable cancer cell invasion through three-dimensional collagen barriers and basement membranes, and has elucidated why broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors failed in clinical trials. His work demonstrated that MT1-MMP is the dominant collagenolytic enzyme driving cancer cell invasion through interstitial tissues, functioning at the leading edge of invading cells within invadopodia. He showed that the failure of clinical MMP inhibitors was due to the dual pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles of different MMP family members. His research has guided development of selective MMP inhibitors targeting specific pro-invasive family members.