MATRIX-DEGRADING METALLOPROTEINASES

Matrix degrading metalloproteinases are enzymes that degrade proteins in tissue extracellular matrices. These proteinases exhibit specific, well defined properties that allow them to be classified into a family of enzymes. They are secreted by various cell types as the cells effe ct their surrounding extracellular matrix. Such effects occur during n ormal physiologic tissue remodeling but also during pathologic process es such as tumor cell invasion and metastases. Currently there are sev en proteases classified as members of the matrix metalloproteinase fam ily and there are two putative members. Direct correlations can be mad e between the matrix metalloproteinases and normal tissue functions su ch as bone remodeling, uterine and mammary gland function and ovulatio n. The matrix metalloproteinases are also strongly associated with can cer progression in that they function to degrade epithelial basement m embrane and stromal matrices in many different malignancies including brain tumors.