PROTEOLYTIC REMODELING OF EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX

Matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors are ingredients of a fundamental cellular toolbox for effecting environmental change. These enzymes enable cells to alter their relationship to the environ ment by directly cleaving structural macromolecules of the extracellul ar matrix. In addition, evidence is emerging that they also play an im portant regulatory role in matrix remodeling by catalyzing the process ing of inactive matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine precursors.