The proteoglycan aggrecan is an important major component of cartilage matrix that gives
articular cartilage the ability to withstand compression. Increased breakdown of aggrecan is
associated with the development of arthritis and is considered to be catalyzed by
aggrecanases, members of the ADAM-TS family of metalloproteinases. Four endogenous
tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate the activities of functional matrix
metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade most components of connective tissue …