The matrix metalloprotease matrilysin is expressed in premalignant polyps and plays a key role in local invasion during the progression of digestive tumors. In the present work, we investigated the possible relationships between the activity of the mouse and human matrilysin promoters (Mp), endogenous matrilysin protein expression, and two early oncogenetic defects frequently observed in human colonic cancers, namely activation of the src oncogene and impairment of the Wnt/APC/beta-catenin pathway. Using transient transfection assays, we report here that src signaling and the HMG-box transcription factor LEF-1 act synergistically with the proximal (-61 to -67) AP-1 binding site to transactivate the Mp in premalignant and tumorigenic kidney and colonic epithelial cells, through beta-catenin- and axin-independent signaling pathways. This synergism involves the -109 and -194 Tcf/LEF-1 binding sites in the Mp and a physical interaction between LEF-1 and c-Jun. Furthermore, src coordinates accumulation of the c-Jun factor and matrilysin transcripts. Conversely, the c-Jun dominant negative mutant TAM67 and the src tyrosine kinase inhibitor M475271 impaired src-induced Mp activation, matrilysin protein accumulation, and invasion of type I collagen gels. This mechanism may thereby contribute to cellular invasion during the early-stage adenoma/adenocarcinoma conversion and the metastatic process of digestive tumors.