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DESCRIPTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that are responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix components such as collagen, laminin and proteoglycans. In addition to sequence homology, all MMPs share the following characteristics: the catalytic mechanism is dependent upon a zinc ion at the active center, they cleave one or more extracellular matrix components, they are secreted as zymogens which are activated by removal of an approximately 10 kDa segment from the N-terminus and they are inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). These enzymes are involved in normal physiological processes such as embryogenesis and tissue remodeling and may play an important role in arthritis, periodontitis, and metastasis.
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