MMP-15
MMP-15 (MT2-MMP) is a membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinase that shares with MT1-MMP the capacity to activate pro-MMP-2 but displays its own expression profile and trafficking behavior. It localizes to the leading edge of migrating cells, supports pericellular matrix degradation, and contributes to membrane-proximal processing events that facilitate invasive motility. Its expression is prominent in lung and placenta and has been reported in several carcinomas, including hepatocellular carcinoma, where high levels correlate with poor differentiation. As one of the six membrane-type matrixins, MMP-15 illustrates functional redundancy within the subfamily and remains a candidate anti-invasive target in oncology research.
