Description
Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of zinc and calcium dependent endopeptidases. MMP-13 (Collagenase-3) has been demonstrated to degrade a range of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen types I, II, III, IV, IX, X and XIV, gelatin, aggrecan, perlecan and fibronectin. MMP-13 is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protease. MMP-13 is distinguished from the other human collagenases ,it cleaves type II collagen more efficiently than types I and III. MMP-13 is expressed by fibroblasts, chrondrocytes and squamous epithelial cells. It may be involved in articular cartilage turnover and cartilage pathophysiology associated with osteoarthritis.