Matrix remodelling enzymes, the protease cascade and glycosylation

Glycosylation influences the specific activities of serine proteases includ ing tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasmin which act together in a t ernary complex with fibrin. Serine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including gelatinase B, participate in a protease cascade to remode l the extracellular matrix. In addition to the recognition and targeting fu nctions of carbohydrates and the fact that they confer protease resistance on glycoproteins, oligosaccharides may extend particular protein domains of matrix remodelling enzymes and fine-control their activities within the co ntext of the extracellular matrix. For example. the sialic acids of gelatin ase B influence the catalytic activity of this enzyme in a complex with the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.