Metalloproteinase

Metalloproteinase (pronunciation: meh-tal-oh-pro-tee-nase) is a type of enzyme that is capable of degrading all kinds of protein structures in the extracellular matrix (ECM). They play a crucial role in many biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell migration, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and host defense.

Etymology

The term "metalloproteinase" is derived from the Greek words "metallon" meaning metal, and "proteino" meaning protein, and "ase" a suffix used in biochemistry to form names of enzymes.

Types of Metalloproteinase

There are several types of metalloproteinases, including:

• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
• A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAMs)
• A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs)

Function

Metalloproteinases are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, and wound healing. They are also involved in disease processes such as arthritis and metastasis.

Inhibition

The activity of metalloproteinases is regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

Clinical Significance

Due to their role in tissue remodeling and disease processes, metalloproteinases are a target for therapeutic intervention in a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases.

See Also

• Enzyme
• Protein
• Extracellular matrix
• Cell proliferation
• Cell migration
• Cell differentiation
• Angiogenesis
• Apoptosis
• Host defense
• Matrix metalloproteinases
• A disintegrin and metalloproteinase
• A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs
• Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammatory diseases

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Metalloproteinase
• Wikipedia's article - Metalloproteinase

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