Furthermore, we found that MMP2, MMP11, pErk, and ADAM15 were upregulated, whereas TIMP2 was downregulated; all of which supported the roles of miR-24 in tumor invasion and metastasis.
ADAM15 may downregulate adhesion of tumor cells to the extracellular matrix, reduce cell-cell adhesion, and promote metastasis through the activity of its disintegrin and metalloproteinase domains.
In conclusion, our results point to a physiological role of ADAM15 as a natural binding partner of integrin alphavbeta3 thereby loosening tumor cell adhesion to the underlying matrix and regulating tumor cell migration and invasion.