| Description: | MMP9, otherwise known as matrix metalloproteinase 9, is involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, reproduction and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes like arthritis and metastasis (1). Among the family members, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7 and MMP-9 have been characterized as important factors for normal tissue remodeling during embryonic development, wound healing, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, carcinogenesis and apoptosis (2-4). MMP activity correlates with cancer development (2). One mechanism of MMP regulation is transcriptional (5). Once synthesized, MMP exists as a latent proenzyme. Maximum MMP activity requires proteolytic cleavage to generate active MMPs by releasing the inhibitory propeptide domain from the full length protein (5). |
