Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also designated matnxms, are a family of related zinc
metalloendopeptidases that function in the turnover of components of the extracellular
matrix. These enzymes play a central role in the normal embryogenesis and tissue
remodelling and in many diseases such as arthritis, cancer, periodontitis,
glomerulonephritis, encephalomyelitis, atherosclerosis and tissue ulceration. The
expression of matrixin genes is transcriptionally regulated by cytokines, growth factors …

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also called matrixins, function in the turnover of
extracellular matrix components. These enzymes are considered to play important roles in
embryo development, morphogenesis and tissue remodeling, and in diseases such as
arthritis, periodontitis, glomerulonephritis, atherosclerosis, tissue ulceration, and in cancer
cell invasion and metastasis. All MMPs are synthesized as preproenzymes and most of them
are secreted from the cells as proenzymes. Thus, the activation of these proenzymes is one …