Concept

Matrix metalloproteinase

Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also known as matrix metallopeptidases or matrixins, are metalloproteinases that are calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases; other family members are adamalysins, serralysins, and astacins. The MMPs belong to a larger family of proteases known as the metzincin superfamily. Collectively, these enzymes are capable of degrading all kinds of extracellular matrix proteins, but also can process a number of bioactive molecules. They are known to be involved in the cleavage of cell surface receptors, the release of apoptotic ligands (such as the FAS ligand), and chemokine/cytokine inactivation. MMPs are also thought to play a major role in cell behaviors such as cell proliferation, migration (adhesion/dispersion), differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and host defense. They were first described in vertebrates (1962), including humans, but have since been found in invertebrates and plants. They are distinguished from other endopeptidases by their dependence on metal ions as cofactors, their ability to degrade extracellular matrix, and their specific evolutionary DNA sequence. MMPs were described initially by Jerome Gross and Charles Lapiere (1962), who observed enzymatic activity (collagen triple helix degradation) during tadpole tail metamorphosis (by placing a tadpole tail in a collagen matrix plate). Therefore, the enzyme was named interstitial collagenase (MMP-1). Later, it was purified from human skin (1968), and was recognized to be synthesized as a zymogen. The "cysteine switch" was described in 1990. The MMPs have a common domain structure. The three common domains are the pro-peptide, the catalytic domain, and the haemopexin-like C-terminal domain, which is linked to the catalytic domain by a flexible hinge region. The MMPs are initially synthesized as inactive zymogens with a pro-peptide domain that must be removed before the enzyme is active. The pro-peptide domain is part of the "cysteine switch.
About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.
Related publications (99)

Unveiling breast cancer metastasis through an advanced X-ray imaging approach

Marianne Liebi

Breast cancer is a significant global health burden, causing a substantial number of deaths. Systemic metastatic tumour cell dissemination is a major cause of poor outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis is crucial for effective interv ...
Berlin2024

TGF beta-mediated MMP13 secretion drives myoepithelial cell dependent breast cancer progression

Cathrin Brisken, Andrea Agnoletto

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. Virtually all women with DCIS are treated, despite evidence suggesting up to half would remain with stable, non-threatening, disease. Overtreatment thus presents a press ...
NATURE PORTFOLIO2023
Show more
Related concepts (14)
Wound healing
Wound healing refers to a living organism's replacement of destroyed or damaged tissue by newly produced tissue. In undamaged skin, the epidermis (surface, epithelial layer) and dermis (deeper, connective layer) form a protective barrier against the external environment. When the barrier is broken, a regulated sequence of biochemical events is set into motion to repair the damage. This process is divided into predictable phases: blood clotting (hemostasis), inflammation, tissue growth (cell proliferation), and tissue remodeling (maturation and cell differentiation).
Chemokine
Chemokines (), or chemotactic cytokines, are a family of small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells that induce directional movement of leukocytes, as well as other cell types, including endothelial and epithelial cells. In addition to playing a major role in the activation of host immune responses, chemokines are important for biological processes, including morphogenesis and wound healing, as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases like cancers.
Tendon
A tendon or sinew is a tough band of dense fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. It sends the mechanical forces of muscle contraction to the skeletal system, while withstanding tension. Tendons, like ligaments, are made of collagen. The difference is that ligaments connect bone to bone, while tendons connect muscle to bone. A tendon is made of dense regular connective tissue, whose main cellular components are special fibroblasts called tendon cells (tenocytes).
Show more
Related courses (4)
MSE-212: Biology for engineers
This course consists of an introduction to biology and more particularly to biology as a multidisciplinary field, emphasizing natural examples of materials engineering. It should therefore allow engin
MSE-471: Biomaterials (pour MX)
The course introduces the main classes of biomaterials used in the biomedical field. The interactions with biological environment are discussed and challenges highlighted. State of the art examples pe
BIO-392: Oncology
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of cancer, illustrating the mechanisms that cancer cells use to grow and disseminate at the expense of normal tissues and organs.
Show more
Related lectures (28)
Extracellular Matrix: Structure and Function
Explores the composition and function of the extracellular matrix, focusing on collagen and elastin fibers' significance in tissue stability.
Cell Adhesion and ECM Interaction
Explores cell adhesion, ECM interaction, mechanical sensors, stiffness effect on cell differentiation, and artificial matrices for tissue engineering.
Extracellular Matrix: Structure, Function, and Proteins
Explores the extracellular matrix, collagen, fibronectin, laminin, proteoglycans, adhesive proteins, and mechanical properties.
Show more