Macrophage Metalloelastase Degrades Matrix and Myelin Proteins and Processes a Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Fusion Protein

摘要: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of enzymes which have the ability to degrade extracellular matrix. They also cleave non-matrix proteins such as myelin basic protein and alpha 1-antitrypsin they able process tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) its mature form. We cloned, expressed purified human macrophage metalloelastase (EC 3.4.24.65), an MMP recognised for elastin, but whose substrate specificity has not yet been defined. With exception type I collagen this enzyme degraded all tested, namely: IV collagen, gelatin, fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin proteoglycan. It protein, cleaved released TNF from pro-TNF fusion protein. Thus, in common with several other MMPs, broad range extends beyond that elastin alone.