Metalloproteinases: A parade of functions in matrix biology and an outlook for the future

摘要: This issue of Matrix Biology is devoted to exploring how metalloproteinases - here inclusive related families extracellular proteinases act on matrix (ECM) proteins influence an astonishing diversity biological systems and diseases. Since their discovery in the 1960's, (MMPs) have oft widely been considered as principal mediators ECM destruction. However, becomes clear from several articles this issue, MMPs affect processes that both promote limit assembly, structure, quantity. Furthermore, it has become increasingly apparent proteolysis neither exclusive function nor only sphere influence. Thus, other enzymes may be important participants proteolysis, indeed they are. The ADAMTS (a disintegrin-like metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin type 1 repeat) proteinases, BMP/tolloid proteases, meprins all emerged major mechanisms proteolysis. An aggregate view exquisitely specific crucial post-translational modification secreted emerges these reviews. cumulative evidence strongly suggests although some can do cleave components, notably fibrillar collagens, majority are not key physiological morphogenesis control metabolism homeostasis or disease. In contrast, deficiency proteases leads a remarkable array morphogenetic defects connective tissue disorders consistent specialized role turnover embryonic provisional assembly. Astacin-related emerge into positions assembly turnover, also numerous roles morphogen growth factor regulation. To further turn traditional its head, many many, diverse immune inflammation rather than overlap activities within between which indispensable for life, was over-engineered extraordinary extent during vertebrate evolution. That likely evolved networks regulating morphogenesis, immunity regeneration, participate diseases side effect human longevity. Attempts inhibit thus require continuing appraisal cautious evaluation potential new therapeutic opportunities.