Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Animals

Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of calcium-dependent and zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which excrete from many cell types. These enzymes can hydrolyze extracellular matrix proteins. The most important inhibitor of MMPs is tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs causes pathological condition in human and animals. This review focuses on structural, role and several reports of MMPs in horse, dog, cat, fish and avian. Over production of MMPs is associated with tissue destruction and erosion of cartilage in equine osteoarthritis, especially MMP-2 and MMP-9. In canine and feline, many evidences reported about MMPs and cancer such as MMP-2 and MMP-9. MMPs can promote cancer progression by increasing cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis.