Background
Matrix metallopeptidase 3 (abbreviated as MMP3) is also known as stromelysin 1 and progelatinase. MMP3 is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family whose members are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, tissue remodeling, and disease processes including arthritis and metastasis. As a secreted zinc-dependent endopeptidase, MMP3 exerts its functions mainly in extracellular matrix. This protein is activated by two major endogenous inhibitors: alpha2-macroglobulin and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs). MMP3 plays a central role in degrading collagen types II, III, IV, IX, and X, proteoglycans, fibronectin, laminin, and elastin. In addition, MMP3 can also active other MMPs such as MMP1, MMP7, and MMP9, rendering MMP3 crucial in connective tissue remodeling. Dysregulatoin of MMPs has been implicated in many diseases including arthritis, chronic ulcers, encephalomyelitis and cancer. Synthetic or natural inhibitors of MMPs result in inhibition of metastasis, while up-regulation of MMPs led to enhanced cancer cell invasion.
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