MMP

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix components and regulate extracellular protein turnover[1]. Mechanistically, MMPs also cleave cell-surface molecules and pericellular non-matrix proteins, thereby regulating cell behavior beyond matrix degradation[1]. In disease models, abnormal MMP and TIMP regulation contributes to inflammation, tissue destruction, fibrosis, abnormal wound repair, vascular disease, and cancer progression[2]. Compared with related isoforms, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are gelatinases, while MMP-14 is a membrane-associated MT1-MMP that supports localized pericellular matrix remodeling[3]. For experimental applications, active-MMP profiling can use batimastat affinity resin to capture active MMPs and related ADAMs for mass-spectrometry identification[3].