Matrix Metalloproteinase: An Overview

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are proteolytic enzymes that play an important role in various aspects of cancer progression. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of nine or more highly homologous Zn (++)-endopeptidases that collectively cleave most if not all of the constituents of the extracellular matrix. The present review discusses in detail the primary structures and the overlapping yet distinct substrate specificities of MMPs as well as the mode of activation of the unique MMP precursors. The regulation of MMP activity at the transcriptional level and at the extracellular level (precursor activation, inhibition of activated, mature enzymes) is also discussed. A final segment of the review details the current knowledge of the involvement of MMP in specific developmental or pathological conditions, including human periodontal diseases.