Matrix Metalloproteinases

Abstract

The perceived role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as modulators of the extracellular matrix has been superseded by their establishment as key players in cell signaling in relation to the extracellular environment, including interactions with other cells through membrane-bound and secreted factors. This article outlines the current knowledge of the cell biology of mammalian MMPs, with reference to the implications of their agoniztic and antagonistic roles in pathological conditions. It is notable that there is still a relative paucity of information on the true activities of the MMPs in development and disease in relation to the plethora of in vitro observations. It is now appreciated that a thorough understanding of specific physiological and pathological events, including the precise spatial and temporal focusing of MMP activities within a “web” of protease interactions will be essential to identifying their precise significance. The availability of transgenic mouse models has proved to be of some importance in addressing some of the issues in conjunction with a battery of proteomic approaches. Detailed considerations of each topic may be found in the key review references cited and the references therein.