Structure and Function of Human Matrix Metalloproteinases

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecules network, in which the most abundant molecule is collagen. This protein in triple helical conformation is highly resistant to proteinases degradation, the only enzymes capable of degrading the collagen are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This resis...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Laronha, Helena (author)
Other Authors: Caldeira, Jorge (author)
Format: review
Language:eng
Published: 2021
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10362/120412
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:run.unl.pt:10362/120412
Description
Summary:The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecules network, in which the most abundant molecule is collagen. This protein in triple helical conformation is highly resistant to proteinases degradation, the only enzymes capable of degrading the collagen are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This resistance and maintenance of collagen, and consequently of ECM, is involved in several biological processes and it must be strictly regulated by endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs). The deregulation of MMPs activity leads to development of numerous diseases. This review shows MMPs complexity.