MMPfamiljens
MMPfamiljens, also known as the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) family, is a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. These enzymes are involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a process essential for tissue remodeling, wound healing, and embryonic development. The MMP family includes more than 20 members, each with distinct substrate specificities and regulatory mechanisms.
The MMPs are classified into several subfamilies based on their structural and functional characteristics. The collagenases
The activity of MMPs is tightly regulated by various mechanisms, including tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs),
In summary, the MMP family of enzymes plays a vital role in the degradation of the extracellular