Structure, function and activation mechanisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) including matrilysin, and related topics.

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) became recognized as important metabolism factor of the extracellular matrix which sends various signals to cell. More interestingly, MMPs are expressed in various cancer and they play important roles in cancer invasion and metastasis. MMPs are classified into five groups according to their basic domain structures. MMPs are secreted as latent proenzymes that are activated by agents such as protease. MMP-7 (matrilysin) has a smaller structure and higher activity than those of other MMPs. MMPs are expressed in many diseases including skeletal disease, and they have a role in bone metastasis. Besides, it has been acceptable that MMPs cleave cell membrane-bound Fas ligand and have a relation to apoptosis. In this mini review, we accumulate general informations about MMPs which were made clear until today. Additionally, we introduce the actual state of recent investigation of MMPs mainly on matrilysin.